Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the United States after discovering the extent of his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Foreign Office confirmed that Mandelson failed to disclose the depth of his relationship with Epstein when appointed.
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty told MPs that No 10 was unaware of emails from Mandelson to Epstein in which he suggested the financier's 2008 conviction for soliciting a child for prostitution was wrongful and should be challenged. A Foreign Office spokesperson said the new information showed Mandelson's relationship with Epstein was 'materially different' from what was known at the time of his appointment.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed disgust at the messages, while government sources said Starmer made the decision after reviewing the material with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. Mandelson's departure comes as the government prepares for a state visit by US President Donald Trump, who has faced his own questions about ties to Epstein.
Deputy head of mission James Roscoe will serve as interim ambassador. The episode has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, with Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey calling for Starmer to explain his knowledge, and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accusing the prime minister of dithering. Some Labour MPs are frustrated by the blunder, which follows the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner over tax issues.
