Britain removed its ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, on Thursday after new evidence revealed the extent of his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. The dismissal came after pressure within the Labour Party increased.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer asked the foreign ministry to withdraw Mandelson from Washington once emails surfaced showing a relationship far closer than first disclosed. The revelation overturned earlier support for Mandelson.
Mandelson, a veteran Labour politician and long‑time figure in Tony Blair’s government, was given the ambassador role for political influence and experience rather than diplomatic service. His ties to Epstein now overshadow that decision.
A birthday book published by House investigators included a letter signed by Mandelson calling Epstein his “best pal.” The publication immediately raised questions about Mandelson’s past defense of Epstein.
Britain’s foreign ministry stated that the newly released emails showed Mandelson even suggested Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and should have been reversed. That endorsement was not previously known publicly.
“The depth and extent of Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different than understood at his appointment,” the ministry said. “He is withdrawn as ambassador with immediate effect.”
Officials also noted the government considered Epstein’s victims when deciding to act. The statement said Mandelson’s comments defending Epstein could not be ignored given the gravity of his crimes.
In a Sun newspaper interview, Mandelson expressed regret. He said he felt “a profound sense of sympathy” for Epstein’s victims and admitted he relied on lies Epstein told him and others.
He described Epstein as a “charismatic criminal liar” who manipulated those around him. Mandelson added that he now deeply regrets meeting Epstein at all and continuing the friendship afterward.
Mandelson was a central player in building Labour’s success under former Prime Minister Tony Blair. His appointment as ambassador was seen as both controversial and strategic by Starmer’s government.
Just days ago, Starmer defended Mandelson, noting his talents in navigating U.S. politics. However, the sudden release of sensitive emails placed intense demands on the prime minister to reverse course.
Images of Mandelson with Epstein, along with a photo showing him with Donald Trump at the White House in May, have fueled scrutiny. Both America and Britain are watching the scandal unfold.
Observers noted that political fallout could continue for Starmer. The episode raises questions about his power to appoint political allies to sensitive diplomatic postings. Some lawmakers say the vetting was disturbingly weak.
Trump, while asked about the revelations, made no detailed comment. He acknowledged Mandelson’s social presence in Washington but referred questions about Epstein back to journalists covering the new findings.
Mandelson’s association with Epstein was whispered about for years. The sudden emergence of emails and his personal writings in the birthday book confirm those ties more strongly than had ever been proven before.
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The controversy again highlights Epstein’s broad network of powerful friends. It also revives difficult questions on how political leaders judged or ignored his criminal record while continuing relationships with him.
Britain will now begin searching for a new ambassador to Washington. The swift dismissal of Mandelson shows Starmer’s attempt to contain damage, though the debate in Parliament and the media seems certain to continue.
