Mandelson Sacked as US Ambassador Over Epstein Ties Raising Fresh Questions for Downing Street

Peter Mandelson has been dismissed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer from his post as ambassador to the United States following the revelation of undisclosed links and correspondence with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The Foreign Office confirmed that Mandelson failed to disclose the true depth of his friendship with Epstein during his appointment process. Recent disclosures included emails dating back to 2008 in which Mandelson contested the legitimacy of Epstein’s conviction and urged him to appeal for early release from his sentence for procuring a child for prostitution.

The abrupt removal comes at an awkward moment for Downing Street as it orchestrates preparations for an imminent state visit by US president Donald Trump, who himself faces scrutiny over association with Epstein. The episode has prompted heightened debate around Starmer’s judgment, with criticisms surfacing both within Westminster and across opposition parties. Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has called for the Prime Minister to address parliament directly and clarify his awareness of Mandelson’s connections. Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader, accused Starmer of lacking decisiveness and prioritising party interests over principle.

James Roscoe, deputy head of mission in Washington, will temporarily assume ambassadorial duties to oversee the critical state visit. Potential longer-term replacements noted among Westminster insiders include David Miliband, senior Labour figure and former foreign secretary, and Karen Pierce, who previously held the Washington role. Former Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman has attributed the blame to Mandelson, describing his pursuit of the position as “shameful” given past correspondence and further impending revelations of his relationship with Epstein.

Newly publicised emails show Mandelson providing Epstein with messages of unwavering support and encouragement during the financier’s legal difficulties. In exchanges, Mandelson lamented Epstein’s conviction, claimed such events could not occur in Britain and advised him to remain philosophical and resilient throughout his detention. The close nature of their association was reinforced by the release of Epstein’s 50th “birthday book”, in which Mandelson inscribed a note referring to Epstein as his “best pal”.

Labour MPs express deep frustration with the handling of the affair, coming on the heels of another resignation within Starmer’s team. The introduction of these fresh details is likely to have long-term repercussions for trust in the selection of senior envoys, shining a harsh spotlight on government vetting processes in sensitive diplomatic appointments.

The Mandelson scandal has not only unsettled Whitehall at a time of high diplomatic sensitivity but could result in lasting questions over the due diligence applied in appointments to the UK’s most important ambassadorial postings. Markets and investors observing the UK’s international stance will be monitoring the government’s response to ensure that competence and credibility are reaffirmed at the highest levels of diplomacy.