Lord Peter Mandelson has been withdrawn as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States after newly released emails revealed the depth of his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the Foreign Office announced.
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty told MPs in the House of Commons that the correspondence 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." He said the emails included a suggestion by Mandelson that Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and "should be challenged," which he described as new information. "In light of that, and mindful, as we all are, of the victims of Epstein’s appalling crimes, he has been withdrawn as ambassador with immediate effect," Doughty said.
The decision came after pressure from Conservative MPs who secured an urgent question in Parliament and from members of Mandelson’s own party following media reports of the email exchanges. Sir Keir Starmer, who appointed the Labour elder statesman to the Washington post, made the withdrawal after the content of the emails was made public, the Foreign Office said.
Mandelson, a former cabinet minister and European commissioner who has been a prominent figure in the Labour Party for decades, had earlier given an interview in which he expressed his "deep regret" over his relationship with Epstein, according to media coverage. The newly disclosed messages, however, prompted officials to conclude that the extent of the relationship was not fully understood when he was selected for the ambassadorial role.
The Foreign Office statement to MPs noted that the material in the emails was not previously available to ministers considering Mandelson’s appointment. Doughty said the government was "mindful" of the victims of Epstein’s crimes when reaching the decision to withdraw the appointment.
News of the withdrawal was announced in the Commons during a morning sitting. MPs were shown the statement from the Foreign Office and were given a brief explanation by ministers; Doughty said further details would be provided as appropriate.
There was no immediate additional comment from Lord Mandelson or a full response from the Foreign Office beyond the statement read in Parliament. The development is likely to intensify scrutiny over vetting procedures for senior public appointments and over the handling of correspondence with individuals convicted of sexual offences.
Jeffrey Epstein, a financier whose relationships with numerous public figures have prompted widespread investigations and coverage, was convicted of sex offences that have drawn long-running attention to those who associated with him. The newly published emails involving Mandelson have become the focal point for questions about judgment and suitability for a high-profile diplomatic post.
Officials said the withdrawal is effective immediately while the government considers any further steps. Further parliamentary and media coverage is expected as more details of the correspondence and the appointment process are examined.
