Conservative Deputy Chairman Matt Vickers launched a scathing critique of Keir Starmer as the prime minister continues facing intense scrutiny over his appointment of Peter Mandelson. Starmer appointed Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the US in 2024, despite knowing he maintained a friendship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after he was convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008.
Mandelson was sacked from the role in September last year, after documents revealed the true extent of their relationship. On Wednesday (March 11), the first tranche of files relating to Mandelson’s appointment were released, with Starmer hoping they would prove he had been lied to
However, questions remain over why Starmer chose to hire Mandelson in the first place as he was aware of his links to Epstein.
Vickers said: “When this thing broke, he told us that if he knew then what he knew now, he wouldn’t have appointed him. He was very clear and from all that we’ve seen with these documents that have been released that he did know then what he knows now and all the reasons that this man should never have been appointed.
“He appointed Mandelson to the most prestigious, diplomatic post that this country has to offer, even though he knew about his links to one of the most vile, disgusting paedophiles ever to walk the earth.”The politician claimed that Mandelson stayed in Epstein’s house when he was in prison, branding his appointment as an “utter, utter failure of judgement” by Starmer.
He described Mandelson’s £75,000 payout as “absolutely disgusting” and “completely unacceptable”.
Vickers went on to claim that the vetting process regarding Mandelson’s appointment told Starmer “all he needed to know” and how he went ahead with it anyway despite several warnings.
