Starmer Clear of Ethics Probe Over Mandelson Appointment

0:00On March 14th, the Prime Minister's independent ethics advisor has ruled out investigating Sir Keir Starmer over appointing Lord Mandelson as Ambassador to the United States. Sir Laurie Magnus reviewed the release documents and concluded that the standard process for a political appointee was properly followed, so no. Further probe is needed. Earlier this week, those documents revealed warnings to Starmer about Mandelson's past ties to Jeffrey Epstein, highlighting a potential reputational risk. They noted the relationship continued even after Epstein's conviction in 2008 for procuring sex from a minor. Conservatives, led by Shadow Chancellor Alex Burkhardt and Liberal Democrats call for a full review, arguing it might breach the ministerial code. Starmer responded by admitting he made a mistake with the appointment and apologizing to Epstein's victims. Meanwhile, Lord Mandelson resigned from the Labor Party in February 2026 and faced arrest weeks later on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He's accused of

1:03sharing market-sensitive government information with Epstein during his time as a minister. He denies any criminal actions or financial motives, and with his bail conditions lifted last week, the police investigation into him presses on while. The ethics row around Starmer fades for now.