In a controversial move, British police have reportedly requested the government not to release inquiries made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer towards Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to the US, regarding his past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This development follows media reports that surfaced after Starmer appointed Mandelson, despite awareness of his connections to Epstein, including financial transactions and sharing of sensitive information.

Reports indicate that Mandelson received significant payments from Epstein, although he denies remembering any money received and was ultimately dismissed in September 2025 in the aftermath of the scandal. The question of accountability has intensified as the U.S. Justice Department prepares to release documents related to Epstein, leading to criticism of Starmer for allegedly failing to conduct a thorough vetting process for Mandelson prior to his appointment. The situation has sparked unrest within the Labour Party, with discussions about a possible coup against Starmer gaining traction.

The implications of this situation could be considerable, not only for Starmer’s leadership but also for the reputation of the Labour Party as a whole. As more details about Mandelson’s untoward dealings with Epstein unfold in the public domain, the pressure on Starmer to respond decisively increases, and the political fallout may result in significant changes within the party. The controversy adds yet another layer of complexity to an already fraught political landscape in the UK.