Sir Keir Starmer, who picked the Labour grandee to be the UK’s representative in Washington, made the decision after emails showed the peer sent supportive messages even as Epstein faced jail for sex offences.
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”.
He has now been withdrawn as ambassador with immediate effect.
Follow the Daily Mail’s live updates below following Peter Mandelson’s resignation
Why Keir Starmer sacked Peter Mandelson
Under pressure from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch at PMQs this week, Sir Keir Starmer repeatedly said he had ‘confidence’ in Britain’s man in Washington, Peter Mandelson.
But it appeared more damaging revelations could soon be disclosed after the ambassador gave a mea culpa himself expressing ‘deep regret’ over his association with Jeffrey Epstein
Lord Mandelson’s friendship with Epstein was already known about but emails published by Bloomberg and The Sun showed the men’s relationship continued after the crimes committed by the financier had emerged.
Lord Mandelson is reported to have told Epstein to “fight for early release” shortly before he was sentenced to 18 months in prison, and told him, “I think the world of you” the day before he began his sentence for soliciting prostitution from a minor in June 2008.
This ‘new information’ plus growing anger on the Labour benches has forced the Prime Minister to act this morning.
Watch: Moment MPs told Peter Mandelson is sacked
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty revealed Mandelson’s dismissal in the Commons earlier today.
Addressing MPs, he said newly released emails showed ‘the depth and extent of Lord Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment’.
In particular, Lord Mandelson’s suggestion that Jeffrey Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged is new information.
And in light of that, and mindful, as we all are, of the victims of Epstein’s appalling crimes, he has been withdrawn as ambassador with immediate effect.
Watch the moment in the Commons below:
Peter Mandelson sacked as US ambassador
Hello and welcome to the Daily Mail’s live coverage as Peter Mandelson is sacked as Britain’s ambassdor to the US.
The former Labour MP has been dismissed following the emergence of new emails revealing the depth of his friendship with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Sir Keir Starmer was under increasing pressure to take action from his own MPs after Mandelson gave an interview expressing his ‘deep regret’ over his relationship with Epstein.
His departure was confirmed in the Commons this morning following an urgent question granted by the Conservatives.
Stick with us for the latest reaction and developments in Westminster.
Share or comment on this article:
Peter Mandelson sacked as US ambassador over emails sent to Jeffrey Epstein: Live updates and reaction
