UK ambassador to the United States dismissed over Epstein affair
The British government announced on Thursday the dismissal of Peter Mandelson, the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States, due to his ties with the late American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The decision comes just days before U.S. President Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK, marking a major setback for Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The Foreign Office stated that newly revealed emails between Mandelson, 71, and Epstein showed “the depth and extent” of their relationship was far greater than understood when Mandelson was appointed less than a year ago. As a result, the ministry emphasized that, out of respect for Epstein’s victims, he was removed from his post with immediate effect.
Documents published earlier this week, including a 2003 birthday letter in which Mandelson described Epstein as his “best friend,” fueled public outrage. British media also reported that Mandelson sent messages of support to Epstein in 2008, when the financier was facing charges in Florida for the trafficking of minors.
Although Mandelson publicly expressed deep regret for maintaining ties with Epstein “longer than he should have,” the controversy quickly became untenable. In a farewell letter to embassy staff, he described serving as ambassador as “the privilege of my life” while acknowledging the difficult circumstances of his departure.
For Starmer, already weakened by the recent resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner over a tax scandal, Mandelson’s dismissal represents another political blow. The Labour leader is under intense scrutiny, as critics, including opposition leader Kemi Badenoch, accuse him of failing a key test of leadership.
Mandelson, once a central figure in the New Labour era and nicknamed the “Prince of Darkness” for his political influence, had previously held senior government and European Commission roles. His appointment as ambassador broke with tradition, as the role had historically been reserved for career diplomats.
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