LONDON — Britain’s envoy to the USA, Peter Mandelson, was dismissed on Thursday following fresh revelations concerning his ties with Jeffrey Epstein.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer instructed his foreign office to recall Mandelson, after newly surfaced emails indicated that his connection to the late convicted sex offender was more extensive than previously understood.
Mandelson, an influential Labour Party figure instrumental in its achievements under former leader Tony Blair, has faced scrutiny over his interactions with Epstein due to a birthday book release featuring a letter from the ambassador referring to Epstein as “my best pal.”
Starmer had supported Mandelson — who was chosen for his political acumen and connections in Washington, not as a professional diplomat — just one day earlier, but reversed his stance as pressure mounted within his party.
“In view of the newly obtained information in emails written by Peter Mandelson, the prime minister has requested the foreign secretary to retract his ambassadorial position,” Britain’s foreign ministry stated.
“The emails show that the nature and scope of Peter Mandelson’s association with Jeffrey Epstein is significantly different from what was known when he was appointed.”
The ministry said the revelation of Mandelson’s suggestion that Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged was “new information.”
“In light of that, and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes he has been withdrawn as Ambassador with immediate effect,” it added in the statement.
In an interview with Britain’s Sun newspaper released on Wednesday, Mandelson said he felt a “profound sense of sympathy for those people, those women who suffered as a result of his behavior and his illegal criminal activities.”
“I feel a tremendous sense of regret not only that I met him in the first place, but that I continued the association and I took at face value the lies that he fed me and many others,” he said, describing Epstein as a “charismatic criminal liar.”
