UK PM Starmer recalls US Ambassador Peter Mandelson over links to Jeffrey Epstein

United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday recalled Peter Mandelson, the country’s ambassador to the United States (US), over his alleged links with Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement in the House of Commons, Stephen Doughty – Minister of State of the UK for Europe and North America – said the decision was taken after the publication of emails Mandelson sent to Epstein this week.

“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,” he said in a statement. “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.”

Mandelson was appointed US ambassador in December 2024

Mandelson, known as a skilled political operator, was appointed as the country’s ambassador to the US in December last year. “We face challenges in Britain but also big opportunities and it will be a privilege to work with the government to land those opportunities, both for our economy and our nation’s security, and to advance our historic alliance with the United States,” Mandelson, who replaced Karen Pierce, had said back then.

When Mandelson described Epstein as his ‘best pal’

However, pressure mounted on him after some US lawmakers released a  ‘birthday book’, in which Mandelson had described Epstein as his ‘best pal’. “Wherever he is in the world, he remains my best pal,” Mandelson had written in the book. Later, a new report also published emails between him and Epstein, ultimately forcing Starmer to sack him.  

However, Mandelson defended himself, saying the messages were written for Epstein before he was convicted in 2008. “I regret very, very deeply indeed carrying on that association with him for far longer than I should have done,” the British diplomat said.