In a shocking political development just days before President Trump is set to arrive in the United Kingdom for a highly anticipated state visit, the U.K. government has terminated the appointment of its ambassador to the U.S., Peter Mandelson. This decision stems from newly revealed connections between Mandelson and the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Peter Mandelson, a prominent figure within the Labour Party and a former Cabinet minister, was found to have sent emails to Epstein in 2008 that raised eyebrows. In these communications, Mandelson expressed his admiration for Epstein, stating, "I think the world of you," and lamented the circumstances surrounding Epstein’s legal troubles. These emails, published by The Sun newspaper, were sent after Epstein faced serious legal issues, including an indictment by a grand jury in 2006. Subsequently, Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting sex with a minor in 2008.
On Thursday, Stephen Doughty, a minister from the U.K. Foreign Office, addressed Parliament, announcing that Prime Minister Keir Starmer had made the decision to withdraw Mandelson from his ambassadorial role, effective immediately. The Foreign Office emphasized that the contents of Mandelson's emails indicated a significantly closer relationship with Epstein than was previously understood at the time of his appointment as ambassador.
Mandelson is often referred to as a behind-the-scenes power player in British politics, having played a pivotal role in the 1997 election of Prime Minister Tony Blair. His political career has not been without controversy; he earned the nickname "Prince of Darkness" due to his influential yet shadowy role. In 2001, after resigning from Blair's government amid scandal—related to allegations of helping an Indian billionaire secure a British passport—Mandelson famously proclaimed himself a "fighter, not a quitter." Although an official inquiry ultimately cleared him of wrongdoing, his reputation has been tarnished.
The timing of Mandelson's dismissal complicates Prime Minister Starmer's efforts to foster a positive relationship with the Trump administration, especially as the U.S. president prepares for his state visit to the U.K. on Tuesday. The ambassador's firing comes amidst growing scrutiny, with photos surfacing of Mandelson in a bathrobe at Epstein's residence. Moreover, Mandelson's name appears in an infamous birthday book belonging to Epstein, which also includes a controversial drawing that President Trump has denied creating.
In a television interview prior to his firing, Mandelson referred to Epstein as a "charismatic criminal liar" and expressed regret for having been deceived by him. His dismissal follows a swift backlash from opposition politicians, who described the revelations about Mandelson as "sickening" and criticized Starmer for retaining him in the ambassadorial role for an extended period.
Following Mandelson's departure, the U.K. government has appointed James Roscoe, Mandelson's deputy and a seasoned diplomat, as the new ambassador to the U.S. Roscoe will take on the critical task of overseeing President Trump's upcoming state visit alongside King Charles III next week.
