Story perspectives

Labour Leaders Split Over Starmer's Controversial Ambassador Appointment

4/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Cabinet ministers and Labour leadership contenders distance themselves from Sir Keir Starmer's Peter Mandelson appointment as U.S. ambassador.
Angela Rayner, Labour deputy leader, warned Starmer against the appointment because of Mandelson's ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband warned the appointment could blow up.
Some ministers back Mandelson, while Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and others raise vetting concerns.
The Labour mood is angry and sad regarding the May elections.

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Story summary

Cabinet ministers and Labour leadership contenders distance themselves from Sir Keir Starmer's Peter Mandelson appointment as U.S. ambassador.
Angela Rayner, Labour deputy leader, warned Starmer against the appointment because of Mandelson's ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband warned the appointment could blow up.
Some ministers back Mandelson, while Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and others raise vetting concerns.
The Labour mood is angry and sad regarding the May elections.