UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has removed Peter Mandelson from his role as ambassador to the United States. The decision follows the release of emails showing Mandelson maintained closer ties with Jeffrey Epstein than previously known.
The Foreign Office said Starmer acted after it became clear Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein was “materially different” from what had been disclosed at the time of his appointment. Mandelson, most recently appointed UK ambassador earlier this year, had been tasked with strengthening ties with Washington.
The fresh evidence included messages in which Mandelson suggested Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful. He also urged the disgraced financier to push for early release in 2008. One email read, “I think the world of you,” sent the day before Epstein began serving an 18-month sentence for sex offences.
Reports by British media outlets highlighted how Mandelson repeatedly offered encouragement to Epstein. He even referenced “The Art of War” as advice while Epstein faced prosecution. These details raised questions about why such information was not considered during the vetting process.
Mandelson admitted in a BBC interview that he had “relied on assurances” of Epstein’s innocence, which he later described as “horrendously false.” He expressed regret for continuing the association “far longer than I should have done.”
Political reaction in London was swift. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called Mandelson’s role “untenable.” Several Labour MPs also urged action, saying the ambassador should be dismissed without delay.
Starmer initially defended the appointment, insisting due process had been followed. However, with mounting criticism and new disclosures, the government confirmed Mandelson’s withdrawal with immediate effect.
The move comes days before US President Donald Trump is expected to make a state visit to the UK. Observers note the timing adds diplomatic strain, as Mandelson had been chosen to manage relations with the White House.
This episode has renewed scrutiny of political vetting and underlined how past associations can damage credibility at the highest levels.
For more on how press freedom has fallen to its lowest in decades, read the full study here: Press Freedom Hits Lowest Point In 50 Years: Study
