Newscast Epstein Files: Will Mandelson Cost Starmer His Job?
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Feb 5, 2026 Luke Sullivan, former political director to Keir Starmer, offers insider perspective on Labour dynamics. Ailbhe Rea, New Statesman journalist, brings investigative reporting on the Mandelson appointment. They discuss chaotic parliamentary votes, what Starmer knew and when, how Mandelson resurfaced on shortlists, the public reaction and calls for document releases and accountability.
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Starmer's Public Apology And Purpose
- Keir Starmer began his speech by apologising to Jeffrey Epstein's victims and accepting blame for appointing Peter Mandelson.
- The apology aimed to win back Labour MPs' trust and contain a rapidly escalating political crisis.
Knowledge Versus Belief At The Heart
- The controversy hinges on what Starmer knew from the Cabinet Office due-diligence and whether he believed Mandelson over published reports.
- That tension — known facts vs. reliance on Mandelson's answers — drives MPs' anger and questions about Starmer's judgement.
Shortlist Shift From Osborne To Mandelson
- Ailbhe Rea reports the original shortlist excluded Mandelson, with George Osborne initially favoured by Starmer in a later round.
- Starmer shifted from Osborne to Mandelson while seeing due-diligence links to Epstein, which many find puzzling.