Washington (QNN)- A leaked audio recording of the UK’s new ambassador to the United States, Christian Turner, shows him stating that Keir Starmer was “on the ropes” during the Peter Mandelson Epstein scandal, and that Israel, not Britain, holds the real “special relationship” with Washington.
Turner made the remarks in February, shortly after taking up his post in Washington. He spoke to a group of visiting UK students, offering unusually candid views on British politics and foreign relations. His comments have now surfaced, causing embarrassment for Downing Street at a sensitive moment.
The controversy comes as Donald Trump hosts a high-profile state visit involving King Charles III. Trump had already criticized Mandelson in the past, calling him a “really bad pick,” which adds to the political tension surrounding the issue.
According to Turner, the fallout from the Mandelson scandal placed Starmer in a politically fragile position. He told students that the prime minister had been “pretty clearly on the ropes,” and at one point his future looked “touch and go.”
Mandelson lost his position last year after reports of ties to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender whose network continues to cast a shadow over global elites.
Turner described it as “extraordinary” that the Epstein scandal had not significantly impacted political figures in the United States, while it had already “brought down” Mandelson and threatened Starmer’s leadership.
He also predicted that upcoming local elections in May could determine Starmer’s fate. Turner suggested that a poor result for the Labour Party might trigger internal pressure to remove him, reflecting what he called “conventional thinking” within political circles. However, he added that stronger results could allow Starmer to remain in office.
Turner’s most important remark focused on the long-standing concept of a “special relationship” between the UK and the US. He described the idea as “nostalgic” and “backwards-looking,” suggesting it carries historical baggage rather than current reality.
Instead, Turner argued that Israel likely holds the true special relationship with Washington. The comment has drawn attention because it challenges a core principle of UK foreign policy and public messaging.
The UK government quickly moved to contain the fallout. A Foreign Office spokesperson stressed that Turner’s remarks were private and informal, and do not reflect official policy.
Officials said the discussion took place in an educational setting and was never intended as a formal statement. Sources in Whitehall described the exchange as a candid response to student questions about diplomacy and current political issues.
Downing Street has not issued an official response, but the comments have raised concerns due to their unusually direct tone for a serving diplomat.
