London (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) – February 6, 2026 – Harriet Harman, former Labour deputy leader, has warned that Prime Minister Keir Starmer's handling of the Peter Mandelson scandal could end his premiership. She described Starmer as "weak, naive and gullible" for appointing Mandelson despite his known ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Harman urged a No 10 reset to salvage his leadership.
Harman made these remarks in an interview with The Times and on Beth Rigby's Electoral Dysfunction podcast. The controversy surrounds Mandelson's historical association with Epstein, including flights on his jet and social meetings. Starmer appointed Mandelson as UK-US trade envoy in late 2025, defending him against criticism.
Origins of the Mandelson-Epstein Association
Lord Peter Mandelson, a key Labour figure under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, attended Epstein events in the 1990s. Epstein's flight logs record Mandelson's 2005 trip from Paris to London on his private jet. Post-2008 conviction meetings, including a 2010 London dinner, drew further scrutiny.
Unsealed 2024 US court documents from Epstein accuser Johanna Sjoberg referenced Mandelson at a dinner with Epstein. Epstein's contact book listed Mandelson's details. Mandelson acknowledged the contacts but stated he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities at the time.
Starmer's office confirmed Mandelson denied wrongdoing during vetting. The appointment aimed to bolster trade ties amid US President Donald Trump's 2025 reelection.
Harman's Blunt Assessment of Starmer's Judgement
Veteran MP Harriet Harman, 74, served as Labour deputy leader from 2007 to 2010. In remarks reported by political editor Steven Swinford, she criticised Starmer's reliance on Mandelson's claim of barely knowing Epstein.
Political editor Steven Swinford said in X post,
“Breaking: Harriet Harman, a former Labour Deputy leader, has said Keir Starmer looks 'weak, naive and gullible' after saying he believed Mandelson's claim he 'barely knew' the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein She says that if he doesn't 'change course' by resetting his No 10 team and returning to core values and manifesto promises the scandal will 'finish him off'”
Harman questioned the initial consideration of Mandelson, known as the "Prince of Darkness."
Political journalist Aubrey Allegretti reported Harman's podcast comments, highlighting her call for accountability.
Aubrey Allegretti (@breeallegretti) said in X post,
“Keir Starmer has been branded "weak, naive and gullible" for his explanation today of why he appointed Peter Mandelson - in a savage assessment by Harriet Harman. She tells @BethRigby 's Electoral Dysfunction podcast: "Peter Mandelson was called the Prince of Darkness. It's not a secret that he was a bad person… "Why on earth did Peter Mandelson even get in the room to be considered for this ambassadorship when so much was known about his bad character? "[Starmer] should not have been considering him for that post, let alone believing his denials. "And I think it is very, very serious for Keir Starmer, because it goes to the values of the government."
Harman adds:
"I don't think it's inevitable that it will bring him down. But it will bring him down unless he takes the action which is really necessary for him to take. And that's this. "Firstly, he's got to stop blaming Mandelson and saying 'he lied to me'. Because actually, he should never have been considering him in the first place. And to say 'he lied to me', makes it look weak, and naïve and gullible. "It's completely the wrong thing. He should be reflecting on why he made that appointment, not angry at the evilness of Peter Mandelson. "He should also be thinking about a real reset in No 10. Because what you need from your team in No 10 is people who share your values and your principles, and who will help you be the best prime minister you can be according to your true self. "And clearly that's not what happened because the Keir Starmer who was DPP would never have appointed somebody like Peter Mandelson to represent the country.”
She contrasted Starmer's Director of Public Prosecutions record with the appointment.
Timeline of Reported Events
Key dates trace the connections and political response:
1990s: Mandelson at Epstein's New York and Palm Beach gatherings.
2005: Jet flight from Paris to London confirmed in logs.
2008: Epstein's Florida guilty plea to prostitution charges.
2010: London dinner meeting.
July 2024: Epstein files unsealed, naming Mandelson.
November 2025: Starmer names Mandelson trade envoy.
February 2026: Harman issues public warnings.
These facts emerged from court records, flight manifests, and media investigations.
Labour Party Internal Reactions
Harman's intervention as Mother of the House amplified pressure on Starmer's team. Labour sources noted early government struggles, including budget cuts and party divisions. A senior figure described the appointment as avoidable.
Starmer defended Mandelson at PMQs on February 4, 2026, affirming his confidence.
"Lord Mandelson did nothing wrong,"
he stated. Cabinet colleagues echoed support, citing trade expertise.
Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch demanded Mandelson's removal. Liberal Democrats called for full disclosure of Epstein-related documents.
Mandelson's Defence and Government Stance
Mandelson issued a statement regretting the acquaintance.
"I wish I had not met him,"
he said, emphasising ignorance of crimes. He pointed to his EU trade commissioner record on ethics.
Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds praised Mandelson's negotiations, including January 2026 US talks yielding tariff relief. Number 10 prioritised economic deliverables over past links.
Epstein's Wider UK Network
Epstein associated with figures like Prince Andrew, who settled a 2022 civil suit. Ghislaine Maxwell received a 20-year sentence in 2021 for trafficking. No UK charges targeted Mandelson.
The National Crime Agency examined logs without action. Harman's remarks reignited scrutiny of Epstein's British contacts.
Starmer's Leadership Challenges
Polls indicated Labour's majority eroding by early 2026. The scandal compounded issues like winter fuel reforms. Harman positioned her critique as constructive, urging values-based governance.
Former aides like Alastair Campbell backed Mandelson publicly. Victims' representatives questioned the insensitivity of his role.
Mandelson's US focus addressed post-Brexit export declines. UK-US steel exemptions followed his Lutnick meeting. Critics warned reputational risks in Trump dealings.
The row persists as Starmer navigates parliamentary arithmetic. Harman's stark language underscores veteran concerns within Labour ranks.