London, Feb 7: Keir Starmer never met Jeffrey Epstein. But the British prime minister’s job is under threat because of the fallout from the late sex offender’s global web of relationships.Friendship with Epstein has already brought down a British royal – Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew – and UK ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson, fired by Starmer over his links to the financier.
Now new revelations have plunged Starmer’s centre-left government into turmoil.
The prime minister is facing mounting pressure from within his governing Labour Party over his decision in 2024 to appoint Mandelson, a veteran Labour politician, to the Washington role despite his ties to Epstein. Just how close those ties were has been exposed in newly released documents that have dominated headlines in the UK.
Starmer apologised on Thursday to Epstein’s victims, saying Mandelson had repeatedly lied and “portrayed Epstein as someone he barely knew.”
“I am sorry, sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed you,” Starmer said.
“Sorry for having believed Mandelson’s lies and appointed him.”
Critics believe it is an error that could end Starmer’s premiership.
“He is now essentially a boxer on the ropes,” said Rob Ford, professor of political science at the University of Manchester. “His administration could fall over tomorrow, or it could stagger on for months or even years. (But) his authority is seriously shot.”