UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed Britain’s ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, after new revelations about his close relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Foreign Office confirmed on Thursday that Starmer directed Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to recall Mandelson “with immediate effect,” citing fresh evidence that deepened concerns about his ties to Epstein.
“The emails show that the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment,” the statement said. “In particular, Peter Mandelson’s suggestion that Jeffrey Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged is new information.”
According to reports by The Sun and Bloomberg, Mandelson exchanged supportive messages with Epstein during his 2008 prosecution for sex crimes. He encouraged Epstein to stay strong, invoked “The Art of War” as guidance, and even urged him to seek early release. On the eve of Epstein’s 18-month sentence, Mandelson reportedly told him: “I think the world of you.”
Mandelson, once known as Labour’s “Prince of Darkness” for his role as a political spin doctor, twice resigned from Tony Blair’s government over misconduct allegations. This latest scandal comes just days before US President Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK.
Under mounting political pressure, Starmer acted swiftly. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch branded Mandelson’s position “untenable,” while Labour MPs Andy McDonald and others called for his removal.
Mandelson, now 71, has since expressed regret. Speaking to the BBC, he admitted: “His lawyers claimed that it was a shakedown of him, a criminal conspiracy. I foolishly relied on their word, which I regret to this day.” He also said he “very deeply” regretted associating with Epstein “for far longer than I should have done.”
Mandelson’s appointment earlier this year was intended to strengthen relations with Trump, but the revelations of his past letters, including one describing Epstein as his “best pal” proved politically damaging.
What You Should Know
Peter Mandelson, a veteran Labour figure and former EU commissioner, was recalled as UK ambassador to Washington after damaging revelations about his supportive correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein surfaced.
His sacking marks a major embarrassment for Prime Minister Keir Starmer ahead of Donald Trump’s state visit and highlights the enduring fallout of Epstein’s legacy on global politics.
