The Guardian: Calls for Starmer’s resignation after reports about Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador despite his ties to Epstein

British opposition parties have called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign following new reports about the appointment of former US ambassador Peter Mandelson, despite his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The Guardian reported on Thursday that the Foreign Office had granted Mandelson a security clearance to take up the post in January 2025, despite a negative assessment from the agency responsible for checking his background.

On Friday, Starmer expressed his anger at not being informed of Mandelson’s negative assessment before his appointment as ambassador to the United States.

The Labor prime minister said from Paris, “I’ve not been informed that he hasn’t received approval following the security check (before his appointment) … No minister has been informed… Downing Street hasn’t been informed either, which is completely unacceptable”.

On Thursday, a Foreign Office spokesperson said they were working urgently to provide answers regarding the statement.

Meanwhile, British media reported that the government dismissed Olly Robbins, a senior Foreign Office official, late Thursday after he lost the confidence of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Minister Yvette Cooper.

This affair led to the resignation of Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s chief of staff, who had lobbied for Mandelson’s appointment in Washington.

In early February, Starmer said that an independent security investigation had enabled Mandelson to obtain the necessary security clearance to hold the position.

Opposition leader Keemi Padinock said Thursday in a post on X that Starmer Khan has betrayed national security, adding that he should resign.

Likewise, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said, “If Keir Starmer misled Parliament and lied to the British people, he must go”.

The prime minister, who ousted Peter Mandelson in September 2025, accused him of repeatedly lying to the government about the extent of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

This affair has weakened Starmer, who has faced criticism for months over his decision to appoint a friend of Epstein to one of the most prestigious posts in British diplomacy.

Starmer’s spokesman confirmed on Thursday the government’s determination to release the documents related to Mandelson’s appointment, the first part of which was published in March.

It was revealed that Starmer had been warned of the reputational risks of Mandelson’s ties to Epstein before his appointment.