The United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, was fired September 11th, following the release of emails revealing a deeper and more extensive relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein than previously known.

Key Points:

Prime Minister Keir Starmer requested Mandelson’s withdrawal, citing newly uncovered communications that showed Mandelson describing Epstein as “my best pal” and expressing support for Epstein even after his 2008 conviction. The emails reveal Mandelson encouraged Epstein to challenge the conviction and offered steadfast support despite the severity of Epstein’s crimes.

Mandelson, a senior Labour Party politician and former European Commissioner for Trade, expressed regret over his association with Epstein, calling the financier a “charismatic criminal liar” and showing sympathy toward Epstein’s victims.

The Foreign Ministry stated the revelation of Mandelson’s emails constituted new information that materially changed the understanding of his relationship with Epstein at the time of his appointment. Mandelson was immediately withdrawn from his ambassadorial post.