Prime Minister Keir Starmer has removed Peter Mandelson from his post as UK ambassador to the United States after previously unseen emails exposed the extent of his relationship with convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Stephen Doughty, a Foreign Office minister, told Parliament that Mandelson failed to disclose the depth of his friendship with Epstein when he was appointed. According to Doughty, No. 10 had been unaware of correspondence in which Mandelson appeared to defend Epstein’s 2008 conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution.
“In light of the additional information in emails written by Peter Mandelson, the prime minister has asked the foreign secretary to withdraw him as ambassador. 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.
“In particular, Peter Mandelson’s suggestion that Jeffrey Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged is new information. In light of that, and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes, he has been withdrawn as ambassador with immediate effect.”
Foreign Office spokesperson
Before the decision was officially announced, Health Secretary Wes Streeting remarked at an event that he was “completely disgusted” by Mandelson’s communications with Epstein, adding that his future was “a decision for the prime minister.”
Government sources revealed that Starmer reviewed the leaked emails with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Thursday morning, leading to Mandelson’s immediate removal. It is understood that Mandelson himself had not accessed the 2008 emails until their recent leak, as they originated from a long-deleted account.
Mandelson Emails Spark Fresh Political Fallout
Mandelson’s abrupt exit has come at a sensitive moment for Downing Street, as preparations continue for a state visit by US President Donald Trump. With the ambassador’s role suddenly vacant, James Roscoe, the deputy head of mission in Washington, has been named interim ambassador to oversee the visit.
Several figures are now under consideration as potential long-term replacements. Former Labour foreign secretary David Miliband, former EU commissioner Cathy Ashton, and Karen Pierce, who previously held the ambassadorship, are reportedly being discussed.
The controversy has triggered fierce criticism of Starmer’s judgment. Opposition leaders were quick to weigh in, with Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey demanding that the prime minister appear before Parliament to clarify what he knew about Mandelson’s ties to Epstein. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, on the other hand, accused Starmer of dithering.
“Mandelson might have gone but, just as with Angela Rayner, Starmer dithered when he needed to be decisive. Time and again he puts party above country. He has no backbone and no convictions.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn echoed that sentiment, insisting that Starmer’s “judgment, his reputation and his authority are now on the line.”
Inside Labour, frustrations are mounting. Mandelson’s dismissal follows closely on the heels of Angela Rayner’s resignation as deputy prime minister over her tax affairs, leaving MPs exasperated by another damaging episode. Yet Harriet Harman, the former Labour deputy leader, shifted the responsibility onto Mandelson, calling it “shameful” that he had sought the ambassador post while knowing such emails existed.
Mandelson had admitted earlier this week that further “very embarrassing” details of his friendship with Epstein were likely to surface. He continued to insist, however, that he had never witnessed any “wrongdoing.”
The scandal intensified when Democratic members of the US House oversight committee released Epstein’s 50th “birthday book”, which contained a handwritten note from Mandelson referring to Epstein as “my best pal.”
The episode has not only ended Mandelson’s diplomatic posting but also left Starmer facing fresh doubts over his leadership, his decision-making, and the scrutiny surrounding those he elevates to high office.
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