There is nothing wrong in principle with political ambassadors, but Starmer made a poor choice

The past association between the British ambassador to the US and Jeffrey Epstein raises serious questions

PM was grilled by Kemi Badenoch on suitability of Mandelson for job as US ambassador

Messy exit of ambassador to US was entirely predictable, leaving many to ask why PM failed to see it coming

There is nothing wrong in principle with political ambassadors, but Starmer made a poor choice

Plus: Charlie Kirk’s legacy; day in the life of a GP; Reform UK’s critics; failing BBC leadership; counting butterflies; and shandy-shaming

Editorial: Any association with Jeffrey Epstein was obviously toxic and it reflects poorly on Keir Starmer’s judgment that he didn’t anticipate the risk

How did the vetting process allow a ‘best pal’ of notorious paedophile Epstein to become Britain’s ambassador to the US?

Labour grandee lasted seven months as Britain’s ambassador to the US – and was a high-risk appointment from the start

Starmer’s chief of staff viewed Lord Mandelson as a mentor and hosted him at his family home in Scotland

Sir Keir Starmer appointed Lord Mandelson because he wanted an “unconventional ambassador” for the Trump administration, a Cabinet minister has said.

Timeline shows Labour grandee had long been close to Epstein, even after his first conviction

Relatives of Epstein victim say Labour peer’s appointment highlights ‘deep corruption in our systems’