UK PM Starmer admits his ‘mistake’ in appointing Mandelson as US ambassador

The prime minister is facing fresh questions about his judgment in giving Mandelson the ambassadorship despite being warned of a “general reputational risk”

because of his relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

In his first public appearance since the publication of the documents, Starmer told reporters in Northern Ireland: “The release of the information shows what was known.”

“But that doesn’t take away from the fact that it was me that made a mistake, and it’s me that makes the apology to the victims of Epstein, and I do that.”

The absence of Starmer’s comments in the trove of government papers released on Wednesday has come under the spotlight, sparking questions over whether he followed procedures.