Prime Minister Keir Starmer dismissed Britain’s ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, after newly released emails revealed a closer relationship with Jeffrey Epstein than had previously been disclosed.
The decision came amid political pressure following reports in The Sun that Mandelson had urged Epstein to pursue early release before his 2008 sentencing for sex crimes involving a minor.
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty confirmed in parliament that the ambassador’s removal followed “additional information” contained in the correspondence.
The Foreign Office said Mandelson’s suggestion that Epstein’s conviction was wrongful was not known when he was appointed and was incompatible with his role, given the suffering of Epstein’s victims.
Deputy ambassador James Roscoe has been appointed interim envoy.
Mandelson, 71, a senior Labour figure in the governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, had long carried the nickname “Prince of Darkness” for his combative reputation in political communications.
He twice resigned from ministerial office in the past amid misconduct allegations but returned to frontline roles.
The fresh controversy stems from emails and personal notes linking Mandelson to Epstein over many years.
A message written in 2003 referred to the financier as his “best pal,” while later emails expressed admiration and support despite Epstein’s conviction.
Mandelson said he regretted maintaining contact, claiming he believed assurances of Epstein’s innocence at the time.
The dismissal has reignited calls for transparency around Epstein’s network.
Survivors and campaigners have demanded the U.S. government release all files connected to the late financier.