A five-figure exit payment given to Lord Peter Mandelson when he was sacked as US ambassador after the latest release of the Epstein files is being reviewed by the Foreign Office.
Lord Mandelson is reported to have received a financial settlement worth three months of pay, according to the Times, estimated to be between £38,750 and £55,000 before tax and other deductions.
Government sources reported that a payout had been agreed without confirming a number, but the payment is now under review, according to the BBC.
While Lord Mandelson’s salary has not been published, his role is thought to have been among the highest paid in the diplomatic service raking in between £155,000 and £220,000 per year.
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "Peter Mandelson's civil service employment was terminated in accordance with legal advice and the terms and conditions of his employment.
"Normal civil services HR processes were followed. Further information will be provided to Parliament as part of the government response to the motion passed last week which is being coordinated by the cabinet office."
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership remains in deep jeopardy as a new poll suggests the majority of voters think he should quit.
Gordon Brown warns Keir Starmer leadership crisis is ‘serious’
Labour peer sent memo to Starmer chief of staff McSweeney warning against Mandelson appointment
Will Starmer resign over Mandelson-Epstein scandal and who could replace him?
The Chase viewers spot ‘unfortunate’ Peter Mandelson question in episode rerun
Key Points
- Mandelson five-figure payout after sacking under 'government review'
- Brown calls Starmer's leadership crisis 'serious' but backs PM as 'man of integrity'
- Starmer’s deputy warns Mandelson scandal will impact crucial by-election
- New Police statement reveals searches into Mandelson's homes have concluded
- Labour MP says Starmer's position 'irredeemable'
- Starmer under scrutiny for visit to Palantir with Mandelson
In Focus: ‘It’s over for Starmer. The only questions are when, how, and how painful’
08:35 , Maira ButtAs one former Labour prime minister famously said, “a week is a long time in politics”.
That is particularly true for one Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, who until Friday was the chief executive of the lobbying firm Global Counsel, which he co-founded with Peter Mandelson.
Mr Wegg-Prosser has been a close associate of the former Labour peer for decades, served as one of his key advisers and even became the director of Downing Street's strategic communications unit under Tony Blair.
At the start of the week however, as Westminster reeled from the revelation that Lord Mandelson had allegedly shared sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a cabinet minister, Mr Wegg-Prosser was at a drinks reception at the Foreign Office.
The Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin and political editor David Maddox report:
‘It’s over for Starmer. The only questions are when, how, and how painful’
Lib Dems demand FCA investigate Mandelson for insider trading
08:20 , Maira ButtLiberal Democrats’ deputy leader Daisy Cooper has urged the Financial Conduct Authority investigate Lord Peter Mandelson over allegations of insider trading.
“The sharing of confidential information with a private financier could easily have provided an unfair and lucrative advantage in the financial markets, either by Epstein himself or by his associates,” Cooper said in the letter to the FCA, seen by the Guardian.
“Mandelson could also have personally profited from this arrangement.”
She added: “He and others must face criminal prosecution if they are found to have abused trading laws for financial benefit.”
Sadiq Khan backs Keir Starmer
08:10 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarSir Sadiq Khan said Sir Keir Starmer “must stay”, likening politics to a 90-minute football match as he defended the Labour leader’s handling of the Peter Mandelson row and branded the disgraced peer “arrogant”.
But Sir Sadiq told The Observer: "Football is a 90-minute game. You wouldn’t dream of saying in the 35th minute because you’re 2-0 down – we’ll take all the players off and sack the manager.'The mayor, who has been in office for a decade, also took aim at Peter Mandelson, saying he was “the only person who knew” what was in the Epstein files.
Sir Sadiq said: "The whole Mandelson saga is a case study in "there’s one rule for the elites and the establishment and there’s another rule for the rest of us".
"It also shows the arrogance of the man. The only person who knew what was in those files was Peter Mandelson. It beggars belief he still put himself forward to be the ambassador to the US."
Mandelson payout under review after reports he received five-figure settlement after sacking
07:54 , Maira ButtLord Peter Mandelson is reported to have received a payout worth tens of thousands of pounds after being sacked as US ambassador over new details that emerged in the latest tranche of documents released in the Epstein files, according to the Times.
Government sources confirmed that a financial settlement had been agreed but a number was not confirmed, but the payment is now under review, according to the BBC.
While his salary has not been published, the role is among the highest paid in the diplomatic service raking in between £155,000 and £220,000 per year.
His exit is said to have left him with a payout equivalent to three months of taxpayer-funded pay, according to the Times and is estimated to be between £38,750 and £55,000 before tax and other deductions.
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "Peter Mandelson's civil service employment was terminated in accordance with legal advice and the terms and conditions of his employment.
"Normal civil services HR processes were followed. Further information will be provided to Parliament as part of the government response to the motion passed last week which is being co-ordinated by the cabinet office."
Lammy 'warned' Starmer about Mandelson appointment
07:41 , Maira ButtSir Keir Starmer is facing further backlash as it emerged that deputy prime minister David Lammy warned the leader about appointing Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador amid his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Friends and allies of Lammy told the Telegraph he had been against the appointment of Mandelson and in favour of an extension of Dame Karen Pierce’s term in the role due to her connections to President Donald Trump’s inner circle.
Mr Starmer is said to be “devastated” over the scandal and contemplating whether to stay as PM, according to the publication.
Powell warns Mandelson scandal could impact curcial by-election
07:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarLucy Powell, Deputy Labour Leader, told The Independent the scandal could impact the Gorton and Denton by-election.
"I imagine [Peter Mandelson] will come up in some parts of the constituency," she said.
"More than others for those who more closely follow the news."
Ms Powell added: "All I'd say is that prime ministers have to make judgement calls all day long and all the time, and sometimes they get them wrong.
"I think the prime minister's put his hands up about that."
Poll suggest British voters think Sir Keir should quit as Labour leader
07:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarA poll by Opinium indicated that more than half, 55 per cent, of British voters thought Sir Keir Starmer should quit as Labour leader, with just 23 per cent saying he should remain.
Sir Keir's net approval rate fell three points in a fortnight to minus 44, with 61 per cent of those surveyed saying they disapproved of him and just 17 per cent saying they approved.Opinium surveyed 2,054 adults between Wednesday and Friday.
Former prime minister Gordon Brown said the situation facing Sir Keir was "serious" and suggested he had been "too slow to do the right things" to clean up politics in the wake of the Peter Mandelson row.
Mandelson’s US ambassador payoff ‘to be reviewed by government’
06:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarA reported five-figure payoff received by Peter Mandelson as part of his exit package when he was sacked as US ambassador is being reviewed by the Foreign Office, it has been reported.
Lord Mandelson was fired over his relationship with the disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein, and anger in Westminster has intensified after the latest release of documents, which indicated he leaked information to his friend while he was a government minister.
After being forced out of his post in September last year, the peer received payment equivalent to three months’ salary, according to reports in The Times.
More here.
Sacked US ambassador Mandelson’s payoff ‘to be reviewed by government’
Starmer’s deputy warns Mandelson scandal will impact crucial by-election
06:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarSir Keir Starmer’s deputy leader has warned the upcoming by-election in Gorton and Denton is a “dry run” for a general election as the prime minister – wounded by the Peter Mandelson scandal – faces a battle to cling on to the historically safe Labour seat.
Lucy Powell told The Independent that the vote, on 26 February, represents “a line in the sand” in Labour’s fight to stop the advance of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
But she admitted she expects the Mandelson issue to come up on the doorstep, and she could not say that Labour was confident of retaining the seat or if the prime minister will show his face there.
More here.
Starmer’s deputy warns Mandelson scandal will impact crucial by-election
Met police say probe into Mandelson's alleged misconduct will take time
05:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Metropolitan Police said its investigation into Peter Mandelson, 72, over alleged misconduct in public office would "take some time" after officers finished searching his homes in London and Wiltshire.
"This will be a complex investigation requiring a significant amount of further evidence gathering and analysis," Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hayley Sewart said.
Mandelson faces demands to hand back payoff
05:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarPeter Mandelson is facing demands to hand back the alleged payoff he received after being sacked as ambassador to the US, a sum which could run into the tens of thousands.
The peer was sacked over his relationship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, but anger in Westminster has intensified after the latest release of documents which indicated he leaked information to his friend while he was a government minister.
Allies of prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said the peer should give the taxpayer-funded handout back or donate it to a victims' charity.
The Foreign Office said a review had been launched "in light of further information that has now been revealed".The taxpayer-funded payoff he received after being dismissed in September last year could be as high as £55,000 before tax and deductions, the Sunday Times reported.
Sir Keir Starmer has been left fighting for his future amid questions over his judgment in appointing Mandelson to the role.
Full details about Mandelson's payoff, after being thrown out after just seven months in the Washington role, will be disclosed to parliament after MPs backed a call for disclosure of papers relating to his time in the government.
But the Sunday Times suggested the figure could be between £38,750 and £55,000, based on Mandelson being paid at the highest rate in the diplomatic service, an annual salary of between £155,000 and £220,000, and qualifying for a three-month payoff.
Zack Polanski has called on Sir Keir Starmer to quit
04:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarGreen Party leader Zack Polanski has called on Sir Keir Starmer to quit, claiming the Peter Mandelson scandal "erodes trust in politics".
Mr Polanski said the prime minister "needs to go" after showing a "catastrophic level of misjudgment" by making Lord Mandelson the ambassador to the US.
He told the Press Association: "I think the Peter Mandelson scandal actually is bad for democracy in general."I think it erodes trust in politicians. I think we already know that people deeply mistrust the political system and, actually, I just think it reflects on everyone really badly.
"I do think Keir Starmer needs to go though. Keir Starmer knew that Peter Mandelson was still friends with a notorious paedophile, was still staying in his house and he brought him into the heart of government because he knew he could whisper into Donald Trump's ear.
"That's a catastrophic level of misjudgment. It wasn't just one mistake - with Keir Starmer we've seen misjudgment after misjudgment."
Analysis: A surprise candidate to replace Starmer could neutralise Farage’s voter appeal
04:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
A surprise candidate to replace Starmer could neutralise Farage’s voter appeal
Watch: Gordon Brown backs Keir Starmer over Mandelson scandal
03:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneLabour peer sent memo to Starmer chief of staff McSweeney warning against Mandelson appointment
02:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePressure is growing on the position of Keir Starmer’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney after it emerged that he was sent a memo warning him against Peter Mandelson being appointed as ambassador to the US.
The memo from Lord Maurice Glasman, the founder of the influential Blue Labour group, was sent while the peer was in Washington DC for Donald Trump’s inauguration.
He warned: “Withdraw Peter Mandelson. He is the wrong man at the wrong time in the wrong place.”
The Independent’s political editor David Maddox has more below:
Labour peer sent memo to Starmer’s chief of staff warning over Mandelson appointment
Recap: Angela Rayner 'warned PM' not to appoint Mandelson
01:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAngela Rayner reportedly warned Sir Keir Starmer not to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador over concerns about his relationship with Epstein.
Reports in The Times on Friday suggested Ms Rayner had told the prime minister it would be a mistake to hand Lord Mandelson the position, but was ignored.
Will Starmer resign over Mandelson-Epstein scandal and who could replace him?
00:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer has come under increasing pressure to step down over his decision to appoint Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.
The prime minister has faced fury from across the political spectrum after it was alleged Lord Mandelson leaked sensitive government information to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
But will be resign - and who could take over?
The Independent’s political correspondent Athena Stavrou has more below:
Will Starmer resign over Mandelson-Epstein scandal and who could replace him?
Sacked US ambassador Mandelson’s pay-off ‘to be reviewed by government’
Saturday 7 February 2026 23:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA reported five-figure payoff received by Lord Peter Mandelson as part of his exit package when he was sacked as US ambassador is being reviewed by the Foreign Office, it has been reported.
The peer was sacked over his relationship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, but anger in Westminster has intensified after the latest release of documents, which indicated he leaked information to his friend while he was a government minister.
After being forced out of his post in September last year, the disgraced peer received payment equivalent to three months’ salary, according to reports in The Times.
You can read more below:
Sacked US ambassador Mandelson’s pay-off ‘to be reviewed by government’
Recap: Top lawyer seen leaving Mandelson's house
Saturday 7 February 2026 23:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA top corporate and financial crime lawyer visited Lord Mandelson’s house near Regent’s Park in central London on Saturday.
Adrian Darbishire KC arrived at the former cabinet minister’s house shortly before midday wearing black-rimmed glasses and a navy blue jacket and jeans.
He left the property around 90 minutes later.
The lawyer declined to comment as he left the house, including on whether he represents Lord Mandelson.
He was previously seen at the peer’s house on Friday, and was inside when police officers were searching the property throughout the afternoon and evening.
Mr Darbishire KC is described as “a superb tactician and a powerfully persuasive advocate” on the website of QEB Hollis Whiteman’s, where he is listed as joint head of chambers.
The barristers’ chamber says the lawyer “specialises in the defence of professional individuals charged in criminal and disciplinary proceedings arising in connection with their work”, adding Mr Darbishire “has vast experience of the full gamut of offences in this field and creatively defends against them with apparent ease”.
Starmer’s deputy warns Mandelson scandal will impact crucial by-election
Saturday 7 February 2026 23:08 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer’s deputy leader has warned the upcoming by-election in Gorton and Denton is a “dry run” for a general election as the prime minister – wounded by the Peter Mandelson scandal – faces a battle to cling on to the historically safe Labour seat.
Lucy Powell told The Independent that the vote, on 26 February, represents “a line in the sand” in Labour’s fight to stop the advance of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
But she admitted she expects the Mandelson issue to come up on the doorstep, and she could not say that Labour was confident of retaining the seat or if the prime minister will show his face there.
The Independent’s political editor David Maddox and Whitehall editor Kate Devlin have this story below:
Starmer’s deputy warns Mandelson scandal will impact crucial by-election
Majority of British voters want Starmer to resign, poll shows
Saturday 7 February 2026 22:57 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe majority of British voters think Sir Keir Starmer should step down over his handling of the Mandelson-Epstein scandal, a new poll has suggested.
Research conducted by Opinium for The Observer shoes 55 per cent of voters said they thought the prime minister should leave office.
Just 23 per cent said they thought he should stay, and 22 per cent said they did not know.
🚨 Latest Opinium @ObserverUK poll 🚨
— Opinium (@OpiniumResearch) February 7, 2026
Over half of the public (55%) think the prime minister Keir Starmer should resign.
That’s higher than Rishi Sunak’s peak resignation calls in April 2024 (45%), but lower than Boris Johnson in July 2022 (67%). pic.twitter.com/KlG8iZUf0b
Starmer under scrutiny for visit to Palantir with Mandelson
Saturday 7 February 2026 22:00 , Shaheena UddinKeir Starmer is under pressure to release information regarding his visit to Palantir’s showroom alongside Lord Mandelson.
Starmer and Mandelson met the company’s CEO Alex Karp and were shown the company’s military technology.
Conservative MP and shadow chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, Alex Burghart, urged the cabinet secretary Wormald to review Palantir’s latest MoD contract “given the allegations now coming to light about Mandelson’s conduct”.
Starmer’s meeting with Palantir was not documented in the prime minister’s register of visits and was only acknowledged after, Burghart said.
Watch: Most shocking emails between Mandelson and Epstein
Saturday 7 February 2026 21:40 , Shaheena UddinStarmer 'knew about Mandelson's Epstein links but chose not to care', Badenoch says
Saturday 7 February 2026 21:35 , Nicole Wootton-CaneKemi Badenoch has said she believes Sir Keir Starmer knew about Lord Mandelson’s links to Epstein but “chose not to care”.
Speaking to The Telegraph, the leader of the opposition said: “I was in government for five years. I know how vetting works. I had to fight to get people into jobs.
“If the Conservative Research Department knew Mandelson had continued that friendship [with Epstein], everybody knew. But Starmer chose not to care. He promised to be whiter than white, yet gave us self-righteousness and false piety.”
Lammy also warned PM of Mandelson's Epstein links, reports say
Saturday 7 February 2026 21:25 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDavid Lammy warned Sir Keir Starmer not to appoint Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador due to his links to Epstein, it has been reported.
Sources told The Telegraph the justice secretary told the prime minister he had not been in favour of bringing the “Prince of Darkness” back into government.
It comes after reports Angela Rayner also warned Sir Keir against appointing Lord Mandelson.
Labour MP says Starmer's position 'irredeemable'
Saturday 7 February 2026 21:20 , Shaheena UddinStarmer is facing pressure from his own party to step down as prime minister over his appointment of Lord Mandelson.
One Labour backbencher, Kim Johnson, an MP for Liverpool Riverside “I think he needs to seriously consider his position,” told Times Radio.
“He’s on the ropes and we have to think about the benefit of the country and the party. We have to consider the likelihood of what could happen, the stability of the country could be at stake.”
The Chase viewers spot ‘unfortunate’ Peter Mandelson question in episode rerun
Saturday 7 February 2026 21:00 , Shaheena Uddin
The Chase viewers spot ‘unfortunate’ Peter Mandelson question in episode rerun
Brown says there's a 'systemic failure to do proper vetting'
Saturday 7 February 2026 20:40 , Shaheena UddinFormer prime minister, Gordon Brown, said Lord Mandelson’s alleged lies during his appointment process as US ambassador were “not sufficient explanation for what happened”.
Mr Brown told BBC’s Radio 4’s Today programme: “There is a systemic failure to do proper vetting, to go through the proper procedures and to actually have, in my view, what should be public hearings for anybody who is going to be in a senior position representing the British government.”
Instead, he suggested there should be US-style confirmation hearings for new government ministers and senior appointments.
Recap: Police searches into Mandelson's properties concludes
Saturday 7 February 2026 20:20 , Shaheena UddinThe searches into Lord Mandelson’s two properties have now concluded, the Metropolitan police have confirmed in a statement.
Deputy assistant commissioner, Hayley Sewart, of the Metropolitan Police, said: “I can confirm that officers from the Met’s Central Specialist Crime team have carried out searches at two addresses, one in the Wiltshire area, and another in the Camden area. The searches were related to an ongoing investigation into misconduct in public office offences, involving a 72-year-old man.
“He has not been arrested and enquiries are ongoing. This will be a complex investigation requiring a significant amount of further evidence gathering and analysis. It will take some time to do this work comprehensively and we will not be providing a running commentary.”
Labour peer sent memo to Starmer’s chief of staff McSweeney warning against Mandelson appointment
Saturday 7 February 2026 20:00 , Shaheena UddinPressure is growing on the position of Keir Starmer’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney after it emerged that he was sent a memo warning him against Peter Mandelson being appointed as ambassador to the US.
The memo from Lord Maurice Glasman, the founder of the influential Blue Labour group, was sent while the peer was in Washington DC for Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The Independent political editor, David Maddox, reports:
Labour peer sent memo to Starmer’s chief of staff warning over Mandelson appointment
Brown calls Starmer's leadership crisis 'serious' but backs PM as 'man of integrity'
Saturday 7 February 2026 19:40 , Shaheena UddinFormer prime minister Gordon Brown said Sir Keir Starmer’s situation is “serious” and suggested the Labour leader had been “too slow to do the right things” in reacting to the Peter Mandelson scandal.
But Mr Brown also praised Starmer as a “man of integrity” who had been “betrayed” by Lord Mandelson.
Starmer’s position is in danger because of his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, despite knowing his friendship with disgraced financier Epstein continued after his conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008.
Mr Brown told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I mean, there’s always speculation. It happened to me, it happened to Tony Blair. It happens to everybody about how their future should be gauged.
“But this is serious, and the task is very clear. The task is we’ve got to clean up the system, a total clean-up of the system, an end to the corruption and unethical behaviour.
“And if we don’t do it, we’ll pay a heavy price.”
Watch: Andrew Mountbatten's ex partner says not being named in Epstein files is an 'insult'
Saturday 7 February 2026 19:20 , Shaheena UddinLeading barrister visits Lord Mandelson's house
Saturday 7 February 2026 19:00 , Shaheena UddinA leading corporate and financial crime lawyer visited Lord Mandelson’s home near Regent’s Park in central London on Saturday.
Adrian Darbishire KC arrived at the former cabinet minister’s house shortly before midday wearing black-rimmed glasses and a navy blue jacket and jeans.
He left the property around 90 minutes later and declined to comment as he left the house, including on whether he represents Lord Mandelson.
But he did confirm his identity to the Press Association. He was previously spotted at the peer’s house on Friday, and was inside when police officers were searching the property throughout the afternoon and evening.
Mr Darbishire KC is described as “a superb tactician and a powerfully persuasive advocate” on the website of QEB Hollis Whiteman’s, where he is listed as joint head of chambers.
The barristers’ chamber says the lawyer “specialises in the defence of professional individuals charged in criminal and disciplinary proceedings arising in connection with their work”, adding Mr Darbishire “has vast experience of the full gamut of offences in this field and creatively defends against them with apparent ease”.
Epstein, Mandelson and Andrew have exposed the rotten state of the UK’s constitution
Saturday 7 February 2026 18:40 , Shaheena UddinIt didn’t take much. In one corner, a charismatic, manipulative paedophile. In the other corner, two ancient and barnacled pillars of the British state. The House of Lords and the monarchy are still standing, but both have taken quite the battering over the past week.
From beyond the grave, Jeffrey Epstein has unwittingly shone an unforgiving light on the make-believe structures that sit at the pinnacle of our constitutional arrangements. A dud prince and an iffy peer were both charmed and corrupted by their contact with the serpentine Epstein.
And now we don’t know what to do about them.
Epstein, Mandelson and Andrew have exposed the rotten state of the UK’s constitution
Liberal Democrats calling for Mandelson investigation
Saturday 7 February 2026 18:20 , Shaheena UddinThe Liberal Democrats party have called on the Financial Conduct Authority to investigate Lord Mandelson.
Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper said in a letter to the City watchdog: “It is crucial that Mandelson is investigated to see if he or those he leaked information to profited from access to this market sensitive and confidential material.
“He and others must face criminal prosecution if they are found to have abused trading laws for financial benefit.”
Gordon Brown backs Keir Starmer over Mandelson scandal
Saturday 7 February 2026 18:00 , Shaheena UddinWill Starmer resign over Mandelson-Epstein scandal and who could replace him?
Saturday 7 February 2026 17:40 , Shaheena UddinSir Keir Starmer is fighting for his political life amid fury over his appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.
The prime minister is in the centre of a political storm after admitting he was aware of the former peer’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein even after his conviction for child sex offences.
Figures across the political spectrum - including MPs in his own party - have questioned the prime minister’s judgement, with some declaring “it’s over” for Starmer.
Will Starmer resign over Mandelson-Epstein scandal and who could replace him?
Zack Polanski calls on Starmer to resign as Mandelson scandal 'erodes trust in politics'
Saturday 7 February 2026 17:21 , Shaheena UddinLeader of the Green Party, Zack Polanski has called on Sir Keir Starmer to step down from his role as prime minister over the Peter Mandelson scandal.
Mr Polanski said the Prime Minister “needs to go” after showing a “catastrophic level of misjudgment” by making Lord Mandelson the US ambassador.
He told the Press Association: “I think the Peter Mandelson scandal actually is bad for democracy in general.
“I think it erodes trust in politicians. I think we already know that people deeply mistrust the political system and, actually, I just think it reflects on everyone really badly.
“I do think Keir Starmer needs to go though. Keir Starmer knew that Peter Mandelson was still friends with a notorious paedophile, was still staying in his house and he brought him into the heart of government because he knew he could whisper into Donald Trump’s ear.
“That’s a catastrophic level of misjudgment. It wasn’t just one mistake – with Keir Starmer we’ve seen misjudgment after misjudgment.”
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McDonnell describes Starmer as a 'rabbit caught in the headlights'
Saturday 7 February 2026 17:00 , Shaheena UddinLabour MP and former shadow chancellor under Jeremy Corbyn, John McDonnell has once again questioned why senior government officials did not raise concerns over Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador at the time.
Mr McDonnell said in a post on X: “Labour Party members need to assert control. We have a leader who in denial looks like a rabbit caught in the headlights and deluded leadership contenders fighting like rats in a sack.”
He added: “If we are to save our party and Labour in government we need a thorough cleansing process which exposes not just the role Mandelson played but also the influence of other wealthy individuals and corporations and the way a brutal political culture has undermined party democracy.”
Labour Party members need to assert control.We have a leader who in denial looks like a rabbit caught in the headlights & deluded leadership contenders fighting like rats in a sack. Btw why didn’t they publicly speak out about the appointment of Mandelson at the time. I did. 1/2
— John McDonnell (@johnmcdonnellMP) February 7, 2026
Starmer says 'significant volume of material' needs reviewing before Mandelson documents released
Saturday 7 February 2026 16:50 , Shaheena UddinThe prime minister, Keir Starmer, has said a “very significant volume of material” would need to be reviewed before Lord Mandelson’s documents can be released publicly.
Starmer believes the documents will prove Mandelson lied about the extent of his relationship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, during the government vetting process before he was given the top diplomatic job of US ambassador in Washington last year.
The police are currently sifting through boxes of evidence removed from Lord Mandelson’s properties as part of their investigation into alleged misconduct in a public office.
Officers concluded a house search near Regent’s Park in central London and a property in Wiltshire on Saturday in search of the peer’s association with Jeffrey Epstein.
As Peter Mandelson’s biographer, I know how his mind works – and why Epstein was his weakness
Saturday 7 February 2026 16:40 , Shaheena UddinThe Epstein files reveal not just a catastrophic breach of trust, but the final act in a long political psychodrama.
Donald Macintyre reveals how a man so adept at managing risk came to take one that could destroy a government – not to mention his own career – and says the answers lie deep in a life shaped by a fatal attraction to wealth and influence.
The Mandelson I know – and the real reason why Epstein was his weakness
Tories call for an investigation into Mandelson's tax affairs
Saturday 7 February 2026 16:25 , Shaheena UddinThe Conservative party have written to HM Revenue and Customs asking for an investigation into Lord Mandelson’s tax affairs, after emails and bank statements in the Epstein Files suggested the peer and his husband received tens of thousands of pounds from the financier over several years, the Sunday Telegraph reported.
Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake said: “Reports suggest that Mandelson and his partner received thousands of pounds in payments from the notorious paedophile Jeffrey Epstein at the same time as Mandelson was passing on highly sensitive government information.
“This whole thing stinks. That is why HMRC must urgently investigate this potential cash for leaks scandal.
“The British public deserve the full truth about the man Keir Starmer appointed to one of the most sensitive and important diplomatic posts.”
A spokesman for HMRC told the newspaper: “We cannot comment on individuals due to taxpayer confidentiality law.”
Reform blames printer as Farage’s party faces investigation into by-election leaflet
Saturday 7 February 2026 16:20 , Shaheena UddinIn other political news...
A letter from “a local pensioner” distributed for Reform UK in the Gorton and Denton by-election appearing to break election law has been referred to the Electoral Commission and police.
The letter from “concerned neighbour” Patricia Clegg explains why she is no longer voting for Labour and has switched her vote to Nigel Farage’s party.
But opponents have pointed out that the leaflet potentially breaks electoral law because it does not have an imprint of the party to show they are distributing it.
The Independent political editor, David Maddox, reports:
Reform blames printer as it faces investigation into by-election leaflet
Brown calls Starmer's leadership crisis 'serious' but backs PM as 'man of integrity'
Saturday 7 February 2026 16:10 , Shaheena UddinFormer prime minister Gordon Brown said Sir Keir Starmer’s situation is “serious” and suggested the Labour leader had been “too slow to do the right things” in reacting to the Peter Mandelson scandal.
But Mr Brown also praised Starmer as a “man of integrity” who had been “betrayed” by Lord Mandelson.
Starmer’s position is in danger because of his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, despite knowing his friendship with disgraced financier Epstein continued after his conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008.
Mr Brown told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I mean, there’s always speculation. It happened to me, it happened to Tony Blair. It happens to everybody about how their future should be gauged.
“But this is serious, and the task is very clear. The task is we’ve got to clean up the system, a total clean-up of the system, an end to the corruption and unethical behaviour.
“And if we don’t do it, we’ll pay a heavy price.”
Lib Dem peer suspended form party over sexual harassement allegations
Saturday 7 February 2026 16:00 , Shaheena UddinAway from the Mandelson scandal, the Liberal Democrat party has faced allegations of sexual harassment within the party and suspended Lord Rennard.
Chris Rennard was suspended from the party on Saturday. The party was advised that a 2013 inquiry into the sexual harassment claims made by four women was “flawed in several respects.”
Sir Ed Davey, Lib Dem leader said he believes Lord Rennard should not be a member of the House of Lords.
Lord Rennard, a former Lib Dem chief executive, referred back to a string of investigations by police and lawyers which found no wrongdoing.
But three of the women who alleged the original claim said the move by Sir Ed’s party was “the first signs of change”.
The joint statement by Alison Smith, Bridget Harris and Alison Goldsworthy said: “We decided to speak out in 2013 so that future generations of women could participate in politics safely.
“We did not expect a fair investigation to take so long and hope that the next steps will finally put the matter to rest.”
In pictures: Gorton and Denton Green party campaign
Saturday 7 February 2026 15:50 , Shaheena UddinMeanwhile in Denton, Green party leader Zack Polanski and by-election candidate Hannah Spencer spoke to Green Party volunteers at Granada Park.
Gordon Brown backs Keir Starmer over Mandelson scandal
Saturday 7 February 2026 15:40 , Shaheena UddinTributes for former SNP health secretary Jeane Freeman's death
Saturday 7 February 2026 15:30 , Shaheena UddinTributes poured in this morning for former Scottish health secretary Jeane Freeman who died at the age of 72 from cancer.
Ms Freeman served as cabinet secretary for health and sport from 2018 to 2021. She also served as the Scottish National Party’s MSP for the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley constituency from 2016 to 2021.
Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon worked alongside Ms Freeman over the Covid-19 pandemic while Ms Freeman served as health secretary.
Ms Sturgeon said: “Words can’t even begin to convey how heartbroken I feel that Jeane Freeman has gone.
“As health secretary during Covid, she helped steer Scotland through the toughest of times. As well as bearing her own heavy responsibilities during that time, she helped me bear mine. I’m not sure I could have got through it without her by side.
“Jeane was an outstanding Minister throughout the years she served in government – first in charge of social security and then as health secretary.
“More than any of that, though, to me Jeane was my friend – one of my best and closest. She was always there with a smile and a laugh, or a shoulder to cry on – whatever was needed. I loved her.”
Labour peer sent memo to Starmer’s chief of staff McSweeney warning against Mandelson appointment
Saturday 7 February 2026 15:20 , Shaheena UddinPressure is growing on the position of Keir Starmer’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney after it emerged that he was sent a memo warning him against Peter Mandelson being appointed as ambassador to the US.
The memo from Lord Maurice Glasman, the founder of the influential Blue Labour group, was sent while the peer was in Washington DC for Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The Independent political editor, David Maddox, reports:
Labour peer sent memo to Starmer’s chief of staff warning over Mandelson appointment
Liberal Democrats calling for Mandelson investigation
Saturday 7 February 2026 15:10 , Shaheena UddinThe Liberal Democrats party have called on the Financial Conduct Authority to investigate Lord Mandelson.
Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper said in a letter to the City watchdog: “It is crucial that Mandelson is investigated to see if he or those he leaked information to profited from access to this market sensitive and confidential material.
“He and others must face criminal prosecution if they are found to have abused trading laws for financial benefit.”
Polanski calls by-election in Gorton and Denton a choice between “hate and hope”.
Saturday 7 February 2026 15:00 , Shaheena UddinIn other news...Zack Polanski has said the by-election in Gorton and Denton is a choice between “hate and hope”.
The Green party leader supported candidate Hannah Spencer, a councillor and plumber, on the campaign trail in Denton on Saturday where he said people were feeling “excited” at the prospect of getting the area’s first Green MP.
He told supporters: “We know this election is between the Reform party and the Green Party.
“It’s between hate and hope and I think we know who is going to win.”
He responded to a letter written to him by deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell in which she said she feared he was being “played” by Reform and would allow them to win by splitting the Labour vote.
Mr Polanski told the Press Association, her claims were “absolutely absurd”.
He said: “The Green Party are the only party who can stop Reform and to have the Labour Party trying to wade in, trying to make themselves relevant, demonstrates what a difficult week they’ve had and what a difficult year they’ve had since gaining power.”
Watch: Most shocking emails between Mandelson and Epstein
Saturday 7 February 2026 14:50 , Shaheena UddinLeading barrister visits Lord Mandelson's house
Saturday 7 February 2026 14:41 , Shaheena UddinA leading corporate and financial crime lawyer visited Lord Mandelson’s home near Regent’s Park in central London on Saturday.
Adrian Darbishire KC arrived at the former cabinet minister’s house shortly before midday wearing black-rimmed glasses and a navy blue jacket and jeans.
He left the property around 90 minutes later and declined to comment as he left the house, including on whether he represents Lord Mandelson.
But he did confirm his identity to the Press Association. He was previously spotted at the peer’s house on Friday, and was inside when police officers were searching the property throughout the afternoon and evening.
Mr Darbishire KC is described as “a superb tactician and a powerfully persuasive advocate” on the website of QEB Hollis Whiteman’s, where he is listed as joint head of chambers.
The barristers’ chamber says the lawyer “specialises in the defence of professional individuals charged in criminal and disciplinary proceedings arising in connection with their work”, adding Mr Darbishire “has vast experience of the full gamut of offences in this field and creatively defends against them with apparent ease”.
Epstein, Mandelson and Andrew have exposed the rotten state of the UK’s constitution
Saturday 7 February 2026 14:30 , Maira ButtIt didn’t take much. In one corner, a charismatic, manipulative paedophile. In the other corner, two ancient and barnacled pillars of the British state. The House of Lords and the monarchy are still standing, but both have taken quite the battering over the past week.
From beyond the grave, Jeffrey Epstein has unwittingly shone an unforgiving light on the make-believe structures that sit at the pinnacle of our constitutional arrangements. A dud prince and an iffy peer were both charmed and corrupted by their contact with the serpentine Epstein.
And now we don’t know what to do about them.
Alan Rusbridger reports:
Epstein, Mandelson and Andrew have exposed the rotten state of the UK’s constitution
Andrew’s ex-partner Lady Victoria Hervey says not being named in Epstein files is an ‘insult’
Saturday 7 February 2026 14:20 , Shaheena Uddin
Andrew’s ex-partner says not being named in Epstein files is an ‘insult’
Brown calls Starmer's leadership crisis 'serious' but backs PM as 'man of integrity'
Saturday 7 February 2026 14:10 , Shaheena UddinFormer prime minister Gordon Brown said Sir Keir Starmer’s situation is “serious” and suggested the Labour leader had been “too slow to do the right things” in reacting to the Peter Mandelson scandal.
But Mr Brown also praised Starmer as a “man of integrity” who had been “betrayed” by Lord Mandelson.
Starmer’s position is in danger because of his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, despite knowing his friendship with disgraced financier Epstein continued after his conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008.
Mr Brown told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I mean, there’s always speculation. It happened to me, it happened to Tony Blair. It happens to everybody about how their future should be gauged.
“But this is serious, and the task is very clear. The task is we’ve got to clean up the system, a total clean-up of the system, an end to the corruption and unethical behaviour.
“And if we don’t do it, we’ll pay a heavy price.”
Watch: Zack Polanski slams Starmer over Mandelson-Epstein emails: 'Serious questions to answer'
Saturday 7 February 2026 14:00 , Shaheena UddinBrown says there's a 'systemic failure to do proper vetting'
Saturday 7 February 2026 13:50 , Shaheena UddinFormer prime minister, Gordon Brown, said Lord Mandelson’s alleged lies during his appointment process as US ambassador were “not sufficient explanation for what happened”.
Mr Brown told BBC’s Radio 4’s Today programme: “There is a systemic failure to do proper vetting, to go through the proper procedures and to actually have, in my view, what should be public hearings for anybody who is going to be in a senior position representing the British government.”
Instead, he suggested there should be US-style confirmation hearings for new government ministers and senior appointments.
The Chase viewers spot ‘unfortunate’ Peter Mandelson question in episode rerun
Saturday 7 February 2026 13:40 , Shaheena UddinThe Chase viewers spot ‘unfortunate’ Peter Mandelson question in episode rerun
Labour MP says Starmer's position 'irredeemable'
Saturday 7 February 2026 13:30 , Shaheena UddinStarmer is facing pressure from his own party to step down as prime minister over his appointment of Lord Mandelson.
One Labour backbencher, Kim Johnson, an MP for Liverpool Riverside “I think he needs to seriously consider his position,” told Times Radio.
“He’s on the ropes and we have to think about the benefit of the country and the party. We have to consider the likelihood of what could happen, the stability of the country could be at stake.”
Recap: Police searches into Mandelson's properties concludes
Saturday 7 February 2026 13:20 , Shaheena UddinThe searches into Lord Mandelson’s two properties have now concluded, the Metropolitan police have confirmed in a statement.
Deputy assistant commissioner, Hayley Sewart, of the Metropolitan Police, said: “I can confirm that officers from the Met’s Central Specialist Crime team have carried out searches at two addresses, one in the Wiltshire area, and another in the Camden area. The searches were related to an ongoing investigation into misconduct in public office offences, involving a 72-year-old man.
“He has not been arrested and enquiries are ongoing. This will be a complex investigation requiring a significant amount of further evidence gathering and analysis. It will take some time to do this work comprehensively and we will not be providing a running commentary.”
Reform blame printer after by-election leaflet is referred to watchdog
Saturday 7 February 2026 13:15 , Shaheena UddinThe Independent political editor, David Maddox, reports:
A letter from “a local pensioner” distributed for Reform UK in the Gorton and Denton by-election appearing to break election law has been referred to the Electoral Commission.
The letter from “concerned neighbour” Patricia Clegg explains why she is no longer voting for Labour and has switched her vote to Nigel Farage’s party.
But opponents have pointed out that the leaflet breaks electoral law because it does not have an imprint of the party to show they are distributing it.
Former Conservative agent Andrew Kennedy posted: “In 40 years as a Conservative Party agent I have run campaigns for 2,100 candidates, including 50 MPs. In that time I have published probably 10,000 different leaflets. Not once have I allowed a leaflet to be delivered without a lawful imprint.”
The intervention is important as Reform’s candidate Matthew Goodwin tries to win a seat Labour held with more than 50 per cent of the vote in the general election with some polls putting Labour now in third place behind the Greens as well.
Turn Left Media put out a statement that it had reported Reform to the Electoral Commission.
But Reform have obtained a statement from the printer they commissioned to produce the leaflet taking responsibility.
A Hardings Print Solutions Limited spokesman said: "Reform UK did not request or authorise the removal of the imprint.
The omission arose from Hardings Printers’ production process."The party supplied artwork which correctly included the legally required imprint, and a compliant proof was produced and approved.”
A Reform spokesman said: “The campaign commissioned a letter from a local constituent which was supplied to our print contractor with the full and correct legal imprint, fully compliant with election law.
“Print ready proofs were provided by the supplier and approved by the campaign. Those proofs clearly included the legal imprint in the correct form.”
Angela Rayner supports Labour candidate in Gorton and Denton
Saturday 7 February 2026 13:10 , Shaheena UddinProud to be in Gorton and Denton today supporting Labour’s brilliant candidate Angeliki Stogia along with Mayors @AndyBurnhamGM @TracyBrabin @DSkaith pic.twitter.com/eVSVJM7SeY
— Angela Rayner (@AngelaRayner) February 7, 2026
McDonnell describes Starmer as a 'rabbit caught in the headlights'
Saturday 7 February 2026 12:40 , Shaheena UddinLabour MP and former shadow chancellor under Jeremy Corbyn, John McDonnell has once again questioned why senior government officials did not raise concerns over Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador at the time.
Mr McDonnell said in a post on X: “Labour Party members need to assert control. We have a leader who in denial looks like a rabbit caught in the headlights and deluded leadership contenders fighting like rats in a sack.”
He added: “If we are to save our party and Labour in government we need a thorough cleansing process which exposes not just the role Mandelson played but also the influence of other wealthy individuals and corporations and the way a brutal political culture has undermined party democracy.”
Labour Party members need to assert control.We have a leader who in denial looks like a rabbit caught in the headlights & deluded leadership contenders fighting like rats in a sack. Btw why didn’t they publicly speak out about the appointment of Mandelson at the time. I did. 1/2
— John McDonnell (@johnmcdonnellMP) February 7, 2026
Gordon Brown warns Keir Starmer leadership crisis is ‘serious’
Saturday 7 February 2026 12:30 , Shaheena UddinFormer prime minister Gordon Brown has said the situation facing Sir Keir Starmer was “serious” and suggested the Labour leader had been “too slow to do the right things” to clean up politics in the wake of the Peter Mandelson row.
But Mr Brown backed Sir Keir as a “man of integrity” who had been “betrayed” by Lord Mandelson.
The Metropolitan Police said its investigation into Lord Mandelson over alleged misconduct in public office would “take some time” after officers finished searching his homes in London and Wiltshire.
The Independent political editor, David Maddox, reports:
Gordon Brown warns Keir Starmer leadership crisis is ‘serious’
