The Conservative Party has demanded answers from Sir Keir Starmer regarding Lord Mandelson’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, following Mandelson’s recent dismissal as ambassador to the U.S. after his supportive emails to Epstein surfaced. Tory MP Alex Burghart’s letter to Starmer questioned what he knew about Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein before his appointment and criticized the government’s handling of the situation. Burghart called for the release of documents connected to Mandelson’s appointment, termed the “Mandelson-Epstein Files.” While Downing Street asserts that the Prime Minister only became aware of the emails shortly before Mandelson’s firing, Labour MPs are voicing concerns about potential implications for the party’s performance in upcoming local elections. Some, like Helen Hayes, suggest that if poor outcomes arise, it could lead to scrutiny of Starmer’s leadership. Mandelson has expressed regret regarding his association with Epstein, who died in 2019.