Prime Minister Keir Starmer has removed Peter Mandelson, the UK’s Ambassador to the United States, following the emergence of new emails highlighting Mandelson’s close relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In a statement released by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on Thursday, the government said Mandelson’s communications with Epstein “demonstrate a far deeper and more troubling connection” than previously disclosed.
The messages came to light through reports by The Sun and Bloomberg, which revealed Mandelson had provided supportive messages to Epstein during his 2008 criminal investigations.
“In particular, Peter Mandelson’s suggestion that Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged is new information,” the statement noted.
“In light of that, and in consideration of the victims of Epstein’s crimes, Mandelson has been removed from his post effective immediately.”
Mandelson, 71, a former Labour minister and longtime political strategist, had been appointed ambassador earlier this year.
He had previously served in key roles under former Prime Minister Tony Blair but resigned twice due to unrelated controversies.
According to the reports, Mandelson sent Epstein emails during the 2008 investigation encouraging him to “remember the Art of War” in dealing with prosecutors. In one message, he wrote.
“I think the world of you.” In another, he urged Epstein to pursue early release from prison. The emails also revealed that Mandelson referred to Epstein as his “best pal” in a 2003 birthday letter.
Responding to the allegations, Mandelson told the BBC he had “relied on assurances of [Epstein’s] innocence which later proved horrendously false.”
“His lawyers insisted it was all a setup, a conspiracy. I foolishly believed them. I deeply regret continuing that association for as long as I did,” Mandelson added.
The diplomatic fallout comes just days before US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit the UK on a state trip.
Mandelson had been tasked with strengthening ties between the UK and the Trump administration, a key element of the government’s post-Brexit foreign policy strategy.
Calls for Mandelson’s removal had intensified in recent days. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch labelled his position “untenable,” and several Labour MPs also urged Prime Minister Starmer to act.
On Wednesday, Starmer had defended Mandelson, stating that “due process was followed” at the time of his appointment.
However, the prime minister reversed course following the release of the emails.
“These revelations are incompatible with the responsibilities and ethical standards expected of our diplomatic representatives,” said Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.
