PM Keir Starmer removes Peter Mandelson from US ambassadorship amid new revelations about his emails supporting Jeffrey Epstein.
A major political rupture unfolded as Keir Starmer dismissed Peter Mandelson from his role as UK ambassador to the United States, after new emails revealed a much closer connection with Jeffrey Epstein than was previously known. The move came once messages from 2008 surfaced in which Mandelson appeared to defend Epstein’s conviction, suggesting it was wrongful, and encouraged him to oppose early release conditions. These details had not been disclosed during Mandelson’s vetting for the post.
Government ministers admitted that Number 10 was unaware of the full extent of the correspondence, especially one where Mandelson called Epstein his “best pal” in a published birthday book compiled by Epstein’s estate. The content of those communications triggered outrage across party lines, with calls for Mandelson’s removal growing louder. Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reviewed the material and concluded that the information was materially different from what had been known at the time of appointment.
Under the government’s explanation, the disclosure of new evidence made Mandelson’s position untenable. A statement from the Foreign Office said that the depth and extent of his relationship with Epstein differed significantly from what was understood during his nomination. It stressed consideration for Epstein’s victims as a factor in the decision to withdraw Mandelson from the ambassadorial post with immediate effect.
Responses from other political actors were swift. Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the emails as “disgusting,” while opposition leaders and senior party members questioned both the vetting process and Starmer’s judgement in making the appointment. Critics argued that a stronger scrutiny of past associations would have avoided such damaging revelations.
Pressing timing intensified the political stakes: a state visit by the US President loomed, and diplomatic credibility was seen as fragile. Mandelson had earlier expressed regret for having maintained the relationship “far longer than should have” and claimed reliance on assurances of Epstein’s innocence, which later proved false.
James Roscoe, deputy head of mission in Washington, was named to act as interim ambassador pending a permanent replacement. Starmer’s administration now faces pressure to restore trust and transparency, both in internal processes and in how relationship histories are handled during vetting for sensitive roles.