Lord Mandelson has been dismissed as Britain’s ambassador to the United States following explosive new revelations about his relationship with disgraced financier and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The decision comes just days after it emerged that Lord Mandelson had referred to Epstein as his “best pal” in handwritten notes prepared for a book marking Epstein’s 50th birthday back in 2003.
A Telegraph investigation also revealed that Mandelson collaborated with Epstein on a £1 billion business deal while serving as a government minister, even after Epstein’s conviction for child sex offences.
Initially, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended Mandelson, stating he had “full confidence” in the ambassador despite growing political pressure. However, leaked emails released on Wednesday showed Mandelson had advised Epstein on how to respond to criminal charges for soliciting a minor in 2008.
The scandal forced Sir Keir to act, resulting in Mandelson’s sacking just one week after Angela Rayner resigned as Deputy Prime Minister following separate revelations about tax avoidance.
The Prime Minister’s earlier decision to stand by Mandelson is now expected to prompt serious questions about his judgement, particularly regarding the original appointment.
The firing comes at a sensitive diplomatic moment, just days before Donald Trump—who was also named in the newly released Epstein documents—is due to arrive in the UK for his second State visit.
