Starmer Dismisses Mandelson as US Ambassador Over Epstein Emails

Lead Prime Minister Keir Starmer has withdrawn Peter Mandelson from his post as Britain’s ambassador to Washington after newly surfaced emails revealed deeper ties between Mandelson and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein than originally known.

Nut Graf The reversal came on Thursday amid mounting scrutiny within the Labour Party and pressure from Parliament, underscoring the government’s determination to uphold accountability in the wake of public outrage over Epstein’s abuses.

Key Developments

• Starmer instructed the Foreign Secretary to remove Mandelson immediately upon reviewing emails showing Mandelson had advised Epstein to challenge his 2008 conviction.
• Written correspondence included a letter referring to Epstein as “my best pal” and guidance on securing early release, contradicting Mandelson’s earlier assurances about the nature of their relationship.
• Labour MPs expressed “widespread disgust” and demanded Mandelson’s resignation, warning that retaining him would damage the party’s moral standing.

New Evidence and Government Response The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office released a statement highlighting that the extent of Mandelson’s association with Epstein was “materially different” from what had been disclosed at the time of his appointment. Officials noted that his assertion that Epstein’s conviction was unjust constituted “new information” warranting his immediate withdrawal from the role.

Reactions in Westminster Conservative MPs seized on the revelations to question the government’s vetting process, with an urgent parliamentary question expected later today. Home Office Minister Mike Tapp, despite expressing personal revulsion at the emails, initially defended Mandelson’s capabilities before conceding that the new evidence made his continued tenure untenable.

Background on Mandelson’s Appointment Mandelson, a veteran Labour strategist and former European Trade Commissioner, was appointed ambassador to the United States earlier this year for his political acumen rather than diplomatic experience. Starmer had publicly backed him just one day before reversing course under intensifying party and public pressure.

What’s Next The government will announce an interim ambassadorial replacement in the coming days. Parliamentarians from all sides will continue to probe the appointment process and demand safeguards to prevent similar oversights.