Overview
- Peter Mandelson was removed as British ambassador to the United States at Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s request with immediate effect, according to an official Foreign Office statement.
- Newly published communications include a 2008 message in which Mandelson urged Epstein to “fight for early release,” alongside a 2003 birthday album note calling Epstein “my best friend.”
- Starmer had publicly defended Mandelson in Parliament less than a day before the decision to remove him, prompting questions over the government’s judgment.
- Opposition parties called for an inquiry into what Starmer and vetting officials knew at the time of Mandelson’s appointment, with reports indicating security services had expressed reservations.
- Media reporting also cites alleged commercial collaboration between Mandelson and Epstein on a £1 billion deal, while Mandelson issued an apology expressing deep remorse and saying he was misled.