Britain’s ambassador to Washington, Lord Peter Mandelson, is facing mounting calls to resign after messages and photographs showing a close relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were released by American politicians.
The images, published by U.S. lawmakers, include photographs said to be from around 2002 showing Mandelson topless and wearing a white dressing gown on Epstein’s private Caribbean island. A message in which Mandelson reportedly described Epstein as "my best pal" was also made public. The disclosures come about a week before a planned state visit to the United Kingdom by U.S. President Donald Trump, in which Mandelson has been playing a role.
Downing Street and several Cabinet ministers have so far played down questions about the ambassador’s judgment, according to reports, but critics and some opposition figures said the disclosures raise serious concerns about whether Mandelson can continue effectively in his post. Mandelson himself said the message was "very embarrassing to see and to read" and warned that "more very embarrassing" details of the friendship would emerge. He also told reporters he had "seen a different side" of Epstein "because I'm a gay man," remarks that were published alongside the photographs and messages.
The photographs were released by U.S. politicians who obtained material linked to Epstein’s circle. One person who has given testimony about Epstein’s activities characterized the island as an "orgy island," according to published accounts. Epstein was convicted in the past of sex offences; his activities and those of associates including Ghislaine Maxwell have been the subject of high-profile criminal investigations and civil suits in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Media reports have further claimed — and attributed — allegations that Epstein was involved in brokering a deal relating to the sale of a UK taxpayer-owned banking business after his initial conviction, accusations that would, if substantiated, raise questions about the nature of his dealings in Britain. Those claims have been reported in British newspapers and are being examined amid the wider fallout from the newly released material.
The revelations have prompted renewed scrutiny of Mandelson’s past social and business contacts with Epstein and others in his circle. Mandelson, a Labour peer and senior figure in British politics before taking the ambassadorial post, was appointed to the diplomatic role in 2024. Critics say the timing of the disclosures — so close to the state visit — complicates the government’s preparations and raises diplomatic risks.
A number of commentators and politicians have called for Mandelson either to explain his ties in more detail or to step down. A national newspaper has opened an online poll asking readers whether the ambassador should resign. Government officials have so far said they will not comment on ongoing political and legal matters beyond reiterating that the ambassador’s role is important for bilateral relations.
It was not immediately clear whether any formal inquiries into Mandelson’s conduct or his contacts with Epstein are under way. The ambassador’s office has not published a full response beyond the brief statements acknowledging embarrassment and predicting further revelations.
The disclosures add to the long-running controversy surrounding Epstein and his associates, and raise immediate questions about the diplomatic consequences for Britain as ministers prepare for a high-profile visit by the U.S. president. Further reporting and any investigations that follow could shape whether Mandelson remains in post in the coming days and weeks.