Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States after new evidence surfaced of his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
The British Embassy in Washington released a statement confirming Mandelson’s withdrawal “with immediate effect” following the discovery of emails in which he suggested that Epstein’s first conviction was “wrongful” and should be challenged.
The embassy said the emails demonstrated that the “depth and extent” of Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein was “materially different from that known at the time of his appointment.”
The decision follows mounting political pressure over Mandelson’s past connections to the disgraced financier. In Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch asked Starmer what he knew of Mandelson’s ties to Epstein before appointing him. Starmer replied that “a full due process was followed” and insisted he had “confidence” in Mandelson.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey also pressed the prime minister on whether the White House held “compromising material” on Mandelson. Starmer reiterated Mandelson had “expressed deep regret” over his association with Epstein.
Today’s move marks a significant reversal. Mandelson, a long-time Labour figure, was recalled from Washington after less than a year in post. The government said the decision was made “mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes.”