Peter Mandelson removed as UK ambassador to the US over Epstein links

Lord Peter Mandelson has been removed from his post as the UK’s ambassador to the US after days of criticism over his links to Jeffrey Epstein.

Mandelson’s removal comes just days before an official visit to the UK by Donald Trump, who also befriended Epstein, and this development is expected to lead to more questions for the US president on the matter.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper decided to remove Mandelson on Thursday morning after reviewing newly published correspondence between the ambassador and Epstein.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated, “In light of the additional information in the emails written by Peter Mandelson, the prime minister has asked the foreign secretary to remove him from his post as ambassador.”

According to Mandelson’s colleagues, he was not shown a copy of the ministry’s statement before its publication.

Late on Thursday, reacting to his dismissal, Mandelson said he had “no choice but to accept the prime minister’s decision and will step down from a role I was greatly honored to serve.”

In a letter to staff at the British embassy in Washington, he said, “I am deeply saddened by the circumstances in which today’s announcement was made. I still feel very badly about my association with Epstein 20 years ago and the plight of his victims.”

Epstein’s shadow will now also fall over Trump’s visit to the UK. Democrat Ro Khanna, who has led the effort in Congress for the release of US government files on the Epstein case, said Mandelson was “the first of many more to come.”

The emails that emerged this week showed how Mandelson, a Labour Party member, offered support to Epstein in June 2008, shortly before he pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor.

Mandelson wrote, “I have great respect for you and am despairing and angry about what has happened.” Advising Epstein to be “incredibly resilient,” Mandelson added, “Your friends are with you and love you.”

Mandelson also featured in a 2003 book of messages for Epstein’s 50th birthday. In the book, he described the financier as his “best friend” and mentioned his “interesting friends.”