British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed Peter Mandelson from the role of UK Ambassador to the United States in the wake of new email disclosures that deepened questions about Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The decision follows recent public reporting that emails from the 2000s showed Mandelson offering support to Epstein during legal troubles, including expressing that Epstein’s 2008 conviction might be wrongfully imposed.
Mandelson, a senior Labour figure and former European Commissioner, had only been appointed to the diplomatic post earlier this year. His appointment, initially defended by Starmer’s government as thoroughly vetted, became politically untenable after the emergence of emails and a 2003 birthday album in which Mandelson referred to Epstein as his “best pal.”
Media outlets and opposition MPs had publicly urged Starmer to act, citing concerns about the depth of the relationship, whether it was fully disclosed before Mandelson’s appointment, and what it suggested about judgment and transparency in high-profile government decisions.
In the UK Parliament, a spokesperson from the Foreign Office said the newly surfaced materials showed a materially different extent of connection with Epstein than was known at the time of Mandelson’s posting. The revelation that Mandelson reportedly advised Epstein to fight for an early release, among other communications, was particularly cited as new information.
The timing of Mandelson’s removal comes shortly before a state visit by US President Donald Trump, raising questions in political and diplomatic circles about the UK’s position and preparedness ahead of the visit.
Starmer had earlier expressed “confidence” in Mandelson after some of the revelations, while also acknowledging the need to be mindful of victims. At the same time, calls for a review of the vetting process have mounted, including from within his own party.
