UK fires ambassador to US Peter Mandelson over Jeffrey Epstein ties
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed Peter Mandelson as the country’s ambassador to the United States following the release of emails revealing his close relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The decision was announced Thursday in the House of Commons by Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty, who said the newly surfaced correspondence demonstrated that the “depth and extent” of Mandelson’s ties to Epstein were “materially different” from what was known at the time of his appointment last year. The emails, dating back to the 2000s, showed Mandelson offering support to Epstein even while he was facing jail for sex offenses, with one message suggesting Epstein’s 2008 conviction was “wrongful and should be challenged.”
Mandelson, who assumed his post in Washington in February following what the government described as an extensive vetting process, expressed “deep regret” over his past association with Epstein, insisting he was unaware of his criminal activities. However, public and political pressure intensified after The Sun published emails in which Mandelson encouraged Epstein to “fight for early release” before beginning his 18-month prison sentence in 2008, even telling him, “I think the world of you.” Further scrutiny came after House Democrats released a 2003 birthday album for Epstein that included a note from President Donald Trump and a message from Mandelson referring to Epstein as his “best pal.”
The dismissal marks another major political headache for Starmer, who just a day earlier voiced confidence in Mandelson. The move comes ahead of Trump’s upcoming state visit to the U.K., which is expected to draw protests and controversy. It also follows the recent resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner over a tax error, forcing Starmer to carry out a sweeping government reshuffle as he struggles with plunging approval ratings. Critics, including Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, accused Starmer of indecision, saying he “dithered when he needed to be decisive.”
Mandelson’s removal is particularly notable given his reputation as a skilled political strategist and negotiator. His trade expertise had been seen as vital to avoiding U.S. tariffs on British goods, and he was credited with helping to secure a trade agreement with the Trump administration earlier this year. Known as the “Prince of Darkness” for his mastery of political maneuvering, Mandelson has long been a controversial figure, having twice resigned from Tony Blair’s government before serving as a European Commissioner and later returning to British politics under Gordon Brown.
James Roscoe, the deputy head of mission in Washington and a career diplomat who once served as communications secretary to the late Queen Elizabeth II, will take over as interim ambassador. He will oversee preparations for Trump’s state visit, a high-stakes moment for Starmer’s government as it faces growing political turbulence.
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