Why the Epstein files have become a serious political risk for Labour

"In the days since the latest tranche of Epstein files was published, two issues have come to dominate the debate in the UK: whether Mandelson could face criminal investigation for misconduct in public office, and whether Keir Starmer can weather the political fallout from appointing him as Britain's ambassador to the United States, despite his known association with the convicted paedophile."

"For many observers, the shock lies not only in the scale of Epstein's abuse, and the casual disregard shown towards his victims, but in the tone of some of the correspondence now in the public domain. The suggestion that Mandelson was providing Epstein with commentary on sensitive political developments during the fraught period surrounding the 2010 general election, alongside allegations of sharing potentially market-sensitive material and receiving money, has bee"

Fresh revelations linking Peter Mandelson to Jeffrey Epstein have escalated into a political crisis for the Labour government. The revelations have prompted police interest and intensified scrutiny of Mandelson's role in public office. Central questions concern whether Mandelson could face criminal investigation for misconduct in public office and whether Keir Starmer can withstand political fallout from appointing him as ambassador to the United States despite the association. Correspondence in the public domain suggests Mandelson may have provided Epstein with commentary on sensitive political developments, shared potentially market-sensitive material, and received money. The controversy tests Labour's credibility, judgement, accountability and leadership.

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