Peter Mandelson has been sacked as the UK’s ambassador to the US by prime minister Sir Keir Starmer over his ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Sir Keir, who selected Lord Mandelson for the role, made the decision after emails revealed the peer sent messages of support even as Epstein faced jail for sex offences.
In particular, Lord Mandelson’s suggestion that Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged is new information. In light of that, and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes he has been withdrawn as ambassador with immediate effect.
The Foreign Office said the emails showed “the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment”.
Lord Mandelson has been withdrawn as ambassador with immediate effect.
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