Peter Mandelson: Keir Starmer fires UK ambassador to United States over links to Jeffrey Epstein

Peter Mandelson, Britain’s smooth-talking ambassador to the US, has been sacked after his long-term association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein became a further distraction for under pressure Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The Foreign Office minister made a statement regarding the decision to withdraw Mr Mandelson as ambassador in the House of Commons on Thursday.

“In light of the additional information in emails written by Peter Mandelson, the prime minister has asked the foreign secretary to withdraw him as ambassador,” the statement said.

“The emails show that the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment.”

The 71-year-old, a veteran Labour politician who was key to the party’s success under former leader Tony Blair, had come under scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein after a birthday book was released including a letter purportedly from the now ambassador describing Epstein as “my best pal”.

Further emails were published in the media showing that Mr Mandelson had advised Epstein to fight for early release when he faced charges over soliciting a minor.

The ministry said the revelation of Mr Mandelson’s suggestion that Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged was “new information.”

On Wednesday, Mr Mandelson said he deeply regretted ever meeting Epstein and that he had carried on that association “for far longer than I should have done” - a statement that seemed to satisfy Starmer who later in parliament gave him his backing.

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- with AP and Reuters