3 h. ago Mandelson ‘admitted continuing relationship with Epstein’ in vetting interview as questions mount for Starmer: Latest

James Roscoe has taken over from Lord Mandelson as interim ambassador while Downing Street finds a replacement.

Politics

6 h. ago Spotlight falls on Starmer’s political judgment after Mandelson sacking

Decision to end support for US ambassador over Jeffrey Epstein links comes just before Donald Trump state visit Keir Starmer is facing serious questions about his political judgment after he was forced to sack his US ambassador, Peter Mandelson, over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.In the second damaging departure for the government in a week, the prime minister withdrew support for Lord Mandelson over emails to Epstein from 2008 suggesting his sentence for soliciting a child for prostitution should be challenged. Continue reading...

Politics

7 h. ago The Guardian view on the killing of Charlie Kirk: a perilous moment that may lead to more | Editorial

The shooting of the Turning Point USA co-founder should not be used to foment further division in a polarised country“Democracy is the way that we have diverse societies that don’t kill each other, largely,” Lilliana Mason, a leading scholar of partisanship, observed recently. She added: “As soon as we stop believing in it, it disappears.” Dr Mason’s own research suggests that there is sharply rising tolerance of political violence. On Wednesday, it claimed one more victim.The shocking killing of the co-founder of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk, a hugely influential activist who rallied young people to Donald Trump’s cause and far-right ideology more broadly, has been widely and rightly condemned across the political spectrum. Leading Democrats and progressive activists made clear that such violence must not be tolerated.Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in ...

Events

7 h. ago The Guardian view on Peter Mandelson in Washington: a parable of short

Any association with Jeffrey Epstein was obviously toxic and it reflects poorly on Keir Starmer’s judgment that he didn’t anticipate the riskAs UK ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson was obviously a risky appointment. There was never any doubt that the former cabinet minister, European commissioner and international business lobbyist would be a skilled operator. The danger came from another of his reliable traits – attracting attention for the wrong reasons.Sure enough, little over six months into the role, Lord Mandelson’s position became untenable. Sir Keir Starmer had stood by him when links to Jeffrey Epstein first resurfaced – extraordinary given the billionaire financier’s status as a convicted paedophile. The position changed with the publication of evidence showing that Lord Mandelson reaffirmed the friendship even after Epstein’s conviction, expressing solidarity and urging him to seek early release.Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this ar...

Politics

7 h. ago Mandelson says he feels ‘utterly awful’ about Epstein friendship after Starmer sacking: Latest updates

James Roscoe has taken over from Lord Mandelson as interim ambassador while Downing Street finds a replacement.

Politics

7 h. ago Peter Mandelson must 'pack his bags' from Lords after sacking over 'Epstein emails'

Peter Mandelson was sacked as Britain’s top diplomat in the US over his links to disgraced paedophile Jeffrey Epstein - less than 24 hours after the PM stood by him

Politics

7 h. ago Sacked Mandelson: Being ambassador to US was ‘privilege of my life’

The peer said he deeply regretted the circumstances of his departure from the British embassy in Washington.

Politics

7 h. ago Concerns Mandelson did not pass MI6 vetting for US ambassador role – but Starmer appointed him anyway

Keir Starmer is facing serious questions after claims he ignored warnings from the security service to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador

Politics

8 h. ago Starmer faces internal Labour criticism after Mandelson sacking

The coordinator of new Labour group Mainstream accused the Prime Minister of ‘running a narrow and brittle political project’.

Politics

8 h. ago Mirror Daily Digest: Our top stories from Peter Mandelson sacked to inside the NTAs afterparty

In this Thursday's Mirror Daily Digest, we've pulled together the biggest stories of the day from Lord Mandelson's dramatic sacking over Epstein to NTAs insider gossip and the latest on Charlie Kirk's shooting

Politics

9 h. ago From billionaire brothers to a paedophile financier: How Peter Mandelson's relationships with the wealthy have landed him in trouble time and again

Labour's Prince of Darkness has always enjoyed the finer things in life, and has never shied away from cultivating risky relationships to indulge in them.

Economics

9 h. ago The humiliating journey home: Mandelson’s fall from grace – and what awaits him in UK

Peter Mandelson’s career has been defined by comebacks, but his fall from grace over Epstein may mark the end of the road for the Labour grandee

Politics

9 h. ago Starmer is always torn between risk and caution. When it came to Mandelson, the wrong side won | Emma Burnell

The PM stood by his man for so long, he can’t even claim credit now for firing him. It’s a worst-of-both-worlds scenarioEmma Burnell is the editor of LabourListKeir Starmer’s public image is one of stolid caution. This was something deliberately crafted at the start of his leadership of the Labour party to put him into sharp contrast with the charismatic but chaotic then prime minister, Boris Johnson. Starmer is – we were repeatedly told – forensic. He’s a details man who plays by the book.However, look more closely and you will see that Starmer is actually something of a political risk-taker. The hiring – and now firing – of Peter Mandelson is just the latest case in point.Emma Burnell is the editor of LabourList Continue reading...

Events

10 h. ago Voices: ‘Error of judgement’: Starmer’s backing of Mandelson draws fury from Independent readers

Our community has criticised Starmer’s initial defence of Mandelson, questioning the prime minister’s judgement, and calling for accountability over the Epstein-linked scandal

Events

10 h. ago John Swinney 'not surprised' over Lord Peter Mandelson sacking as he makes call on Donald Trump whisky deal

John Swinney does not think Peter Mandelson being sacked as US ambassador will scupper a potential whisky deal with Donald Trump.

Politics

11 h. ago Epstein’s shadow hangs over special relationship before Trump state visit

Jeffrey Epstein’s toxic legacy has touched the US and UK governments and the royal family.

Politics

11 h. ago Peter Mandelson sacked as US ambassador over emails sent to Jeffrey Epstein: Live updates and reaction

LIVE UPDATES: Follow the latest developments as Peter Mandelson is sacked as US ambassador following new emails detailing his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Politics

11 h. ago Peter Mandelson sacked by Keir Starmer over ‘reprehensible’ emails to Epstein: Latest updates

James Roscoe has taken over from Lord Mandelson as interim ambassador while Downing Street finds a replacement.

Politics

12 h. ago His fatal flaw wasn't sex or even money, for all his love of whiffy billionaires. No what captivated Mandelson above all else was power: QUENTIN LETTS

Third time lucky, goes the proverb. Peter Mandelson has been re-toppled. This most vivid of political butterflies has previously, twice, escaped his critics' nets; this time it could be the end.

Economics

12 h. ago Peter Mandelson revelations on Epstein friendship are 'very uncomfortable', says Anas Sarwar

Mandelson is reported to have told Epstein to "fight for early release" shortly before he was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Events