By Eniola Amadu
Britain’s ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, was dismissed on Thursday after leaked emails revealed extensive contact with the late U.S. financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer ordered his removal following the disclosures, which officials said showed Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein was “materially different” from what was known when he was appointed to the role.
Mandelson, a veteran Labour figure and close ally of former prime minister Tony Blair, had been serving as the first political appointee to the Washington post in nearly 50 years.
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He was regarded as a skilled operator with strong ties to U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of a state visit next week.
The documents, released by U.S. lawmakers and later reported in the media, included a letter in which Mandelson referred to Epstein as “my best pal.”
Emails showed he had advised Epstein in 2008 to challenge his 18-month sentence for soliciting a minor.
“This is new information,” the Foreign Office said in a statement. “The depth and extent of Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment.”
Mandelson had acknowledged on Wednesday that he regretted maintaining contact with Epstein, whom he described as a “charismatic criminal liar.” He said he had continued the association “far longer than I should have done.”
Epstein, who died in prison in 2019, cultivated friendships with political leaders, business figures and royalty.
Britain’s Prince Andrew was stripped of official duties due to his own ties to Epstein, which he denies involved wrongdoing.
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Starmer had initially defended Mandelson, citing his role in advancing a U.S.–UK trade agreement. But the growing political pressure, coupled with damaging headlines, forced the prime minister to act.
