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Original poster

Why is Peter Mandelson worth protecting?

54 replies

Mugfills · 11/09/2025 10:02

I quite like Keir Starmer and I don't think his performace so far has been quite as bad as some want us to believe, but I am mystified at his decision to support Mandelson.

To my mind, Mandelson has always had an air of dodginess around him, so I was surprised when he got this appointment in the first place, but why would the PM risk his own career and other political fallout, rather than saying "sorry Peter, you're going to have to go, I can't defend this"?

OP posts:
twistyizzy · 11/09/2025 10:42

Mugfills · 11/09/2025 10:39

I haven't said he was involved, only that it's not impossible.

I think it's highly unlikely that anyone close Epstein didn't at least know something of what was going on.

Show quote history

Plus he continued to support Epstein AFTER the convictions. He knew what Epstein had done and still claimed to be BFFs.
I'm done here now, the number of apologists is sickening.

Merrymouse · 11/09/2025 10:44

Summeriscumin · 11/09/2025 10:13

He isn’t responsible for the behaviour of a friend. He trusted his word which was foolish but not criminal.

Foolish and credible are not qualities that are desirable in the Ambassador to the US.

Alexandra2001 · 11/09/2025 10:46

Mugfills · 11/09/2025 10:39

I haven't said he was involved, only that it's not impossible.

I think it's highly unlikely that anyone close Epstein didn't at least know something of what was going on.

Show quote history

No idea, why would he know?

Well he is sacked now.... prob the right think to do

Interested in this thread?

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EscapadeVelocity · 11/09/2025 10:50

He’s been sacked.

(X post!)

FrippEnos · 11/09/2025 10:51

he has been around for many years.
Lots of fingers in lots of pies.
Made many people loads of money.
And IMO he knows where the bodies are buried.

twistyizzy · 11/09/2025 10:52

Now the Q is did Mcfadden know about it prior to the appointment? Starmer claiming he didn't but yet also claims all due checks carried out.
So who did OK the appointment?

Merrymouse · 11/09/2025 10:53

From the release:

"In particular Peter Mandelson’s suggestion that Jeffrey Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged is new information."

They have found a reason to sack him that went beyond the birthday book.

PandoraSocks · 11/09/2025 11:05

Vaxtable · 11/09/2025 10:37

Keir is nothing more than a scardy cat when it comes to making hard decisions. And not only as PM.

He won’t want to make any hard decision. He couldn’t even define a woman until the recent high court case solved that problem for him.

. . Any other PM would have by now ie they would have sacked Mandelson.

you only have to look at how he handled the Raynor issue

Your post hasn't aged well!

Timeforabitofpeace · 11/09/2025 11:05

I suppose he’ll have to go. I do think he is probably perfect for the role, though.

slightlyunimpressed · 11/09/2025 11:05

He’s gone.

Glurgle · 11/09/2025 11:05

Merrymouse · 11/09/2025 10:53

From the release:

"In particular Peter Mandelson’s suggestion that Jeffrey Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged is new information."

They have found a reason to sack him that went beyond the birthday book.

Yes, it's very much "Imagine our surprise when we discovered that the face eating leopard ate even more faces than we assumed! Vewwy mean of him, so off he goes."

Viviennemary · 11/09/2025 11:07

Summeriscumin · 11/09/2025 10:13

He isn’t responsible for the behaviour of a friend. He trusted his word which was foolish but not criminal.

Foolishness is hardly a quality we want in a PM. Nor is weakness or poor judgement.

HRTQueen · 11/09/2025 11:12

PM is a good politician, that does not necessarily mean is he is likeable person. and I do believe we need someone like him in the role of US ambassador while Trump is president.

Starmer had to sack him , the handling over Rayner has been very damaging to himself and the party and he needed to show his authority

Mandelson was foolish around Epstein and likely blinded by his wealth and power more fool him

Northquit · 11/09/2025 11:13

Watching parliament live.
Some minister says they have vigorous vetting for ambassadors.

Oofft!

Someone's asking harder questions about vetting procedures.

Timeforabitofpeace · 11/09/2025 11:18

That aged well!

Timeforabitofpeace · 11/09/2025 11:20

In light of the additional information in emails written by Peter Mandelson, the Prime Minister has asked the Foreign Secretary to withdraw him as Ambassador.
"The emails show that the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment.
"In particular Peter Mandelson’s suggestion that Jeffrey Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged is new information. In light of that, and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes he has been withdrawn as Ambassador with immediate effect."

Letter issued by the Foreign Office, BBC.

BramStoner · 11/09/2025 11:25

ScholesPanda · 11/09/2025 10:33

As PPs have said, it's an awkward position for the UK. If he sacks Mandelson for links to Epstein, it suggests he thinks Trump should pay some sort of political price too.

Given Trump's delicate nature, that would probably see us hit with 10,000% to tarrifs or similar.

Exactly this, and while the scandal will blow over, the economic effects of tariffs won’t. It’s a difficult situation for Starmer who loses either way. I think the pragmatic approach is for PM to quietly move on after the state visit but it does stick in the craw- the problem with doing deals with corrupt autocrats.

FirstCuppa · 11/09/2025 11:32

Alexandra2001 · 11/09/2025 10:35

No evidence for this, have you got some?

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I do remember some of the girls saying there were boys too, I'm 90% certain. There was at least one male intern who accused him.

Timeforabitofpeace · 11/09/2025 12:48

FirstCuppa · 11/09/2025 11:32

I do remember some of the girls saying there were boys too, I'm 90% certain. There was at least one male intern who accused him.

Show quote history

That would have been public knowledge by now, and nobody has ever heard it.

FirstCuppa · 11/09/2025 12:58

Looks like Mandy has been sacked anyway

Alexandra2001 · 11/09/2025 12:59

FirstCuppa · 11/09/2025 11:32

I do remember some of the girls saying there were boys too, I'm 90% certain. There was at least one male intern who accused him.

Show quote history

Nothing in the Epstein papers to suggest that or from anyone else.

Perhaps you re mistaken

FirstCuppa · 11/09/2025 13:00

Well if you haven't heard it, you can google it.

Alexandra2001 · 11/09/2025 13:02

FirstCuppa · 11/09/2025 13:00

Well if you haven't heard it, you can google it.

You re the one making unsubstantiated claims.... but cannot support them.

Gowlett · 11/09/2025 13:03

FirstCuppa · 11/09/2025 11:32

I do remember some of the girls saying there were boys too, I'm 90% certain. There was at least one male intern who accused him.

Show quote history

Yes, Mandy said JE hadn’t introduced him to women.
His explained it’s because he’s a gay man. Ummm…

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