By Michelle Ndaga
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed Peter Mandelson from his role as the UK Ambassador to the United States following revelations of a deeper than known connection with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Foreign Office Minister Stephen Doughty told the House of Commons that newly uncovered emails and communications, dating back to the 2000s, show that Mandelson encouraged Epstein to seek early release from prison and described his first conviction as “wrongful.” Among the evidence was a 2003 birthday album in which Mandelson referred to Epstein in a handwritten note as “my best pal.”
Mandelson was appointed Ambassador in February 2025 following Labour’s electoral win, and at the time of his appointment, the full extent of his relationship with Epstein was not publicly known.
Although Starmer initially expressed confidence in Mandelson and asserted that vetting had taken place, the new evidence led to a decision to withdraw him from the post immediately.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said the revelations “materially differ” from what was disclosed when Mandelson was appointed.
Mandelson has acknowledged the association and expressed regret, particularly over comments made in the past, but he has defended his actions by saying he never witnessed any wrongdoing.
