Government says Peter Mandelson sacked ‘in light of new emails’ over relationship with Jeffrey EpsteinYour support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
Sir Keir Starmer has sensationally sacked Peter Mandelson as US ambassador over the growing scandal of his links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The prime minister asked Lord Mandelson to step down after a string of shocking revelations, including resurfaced emails appearing to show him offering support for convicted paedophile Epstein as he was facing charges of child sex offences.
Starmer found Lord Mandelson’s emails to Jeffrey Epstein “reprehensible”, Downing Street has said.
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty, announcing that Lord Mandelson had been sacked, claimed that the emails showed “that the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment” as UK ambassador to the UK last year.
“In light of that, and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes, he has been withdrawn as ambassador with immediate effect,” the minister added.
Mr Doughty had been called to address the Commons after Sir Lindsay Hoyle granted an urgent question to Tory Neil O’Brien about Lord Mandelson’s appointment.
MPs on both sides of the house had been demanding that Lord Mandelson return to the UK for questioning despite his status as a Lord meaning he does not have to stand in front of the Commons.
James Roscoe has taken over from Lord Mandelson as interim ambassador while Downing Street begins the process of finding a permanent replacement.
Mandelson-Epstein latest: Key pointsAnalysis: Mandelson’s sacking has left one big question – and it has nothing to do with Epstein
Rebecca Whittaker11 September 2025 13:55
Former Labour deputy leader describes Mandelson as ‘shameful’
Speaking on Sky News’ Political Dysfunction podcast out later today, former Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman described Lord Madelson as “shameful” for not resigning.
She said: “I think he’s right to sack him. I wish he’d never appointed him, but now he’s gone. I think it’s really shameful that Peter Mandelson didn’t actually resign.
“I think he should never have put himself forward for that job, knowing what he, Peter Mandelson, knew about what was likely to come out. So I think it’s been a horrible, awful episode. And the important thing is to move on.”
David Maddox, political editor 11 September 2025 13:40
Peter Mandelson sacked as US ambassador after fresh revelations over his links to Epstein
Rebecca Whittaker11 September 2025 13:30
‘He stood up for freedom and his Christian faith,’ MP said following death of right-wing political activist
Charlie Kirk was a “friend” to the UK and he “stood up for freedom”, a Conservative MP told the Commons, as he paid tribute to the Donald Trump ally.
Andrew Rosindell said he welcomed Mr Kirk to the Houses of Parliament in 2018, taking him to a Christmas reception at Speaker’s House.
“He was a friend of the United Kingdom. He stood up for freedom and his Christian faith, and we mourn his loss and send our condolences to his family and friends,” the Romford MP added.
Rebecca Whittaker11 September 2025 13:17
Why Epstein and Mandelson’s friendship matters even more than you think
Tom Watling11 September 2025 13:01
Starmer found Mandelson emails with Epstein ‘reprehensible’
Sir Keir Starmer found Lord Mandelson’s emails to Jeffrey Epstein “reprehensible”, Downing Street has said.
Asked if the Prime Minister shared the view of two ministers who have said they were disgusted and sickened by the messages, Sir Keir’s spokesman said:
“I think it’s self-evident that he found the content of these emails reprehensible,” he said.
Asked what aspect Sir Keir found reprehensible, he said the depth and extent of the relationship shown in the emails was “new information”.
“And they show that Peter Mandelson suggested, that Jeffrey Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful, should be challenged, and it’s in light of that and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes – that is why he’s been withdrawn as ambassador with immediate effect.”
(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Tom Watling11 September 2025 12:51
Downing Street appoints interim US ambassador
Downing Street has appointed James Roscoe , Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Washington, as the acting interim ambassador in the US.
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister told journalists that Mr Roscoe, who is also a former ambassador to the United Nations, will take up the role from Lord Peter Mandelson immediately.
Tom Watling11 September 2025 12:49
Primark boss issues stark warning to Reeves over Budget
Tom Watling11 September 2025 12:44
Thornberry applauds sacking of Mandelson
Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Emily Thornberry, has backed the sacking of Lord Peter Mandelson.
While MPs cannot question Mandelson due to his lordship, the Foreign Affairs Committee is tasked with scrutinising ambassadorial appointments.
“Since the first rumours of his appointment, my committee has repeatedly asked – publicly and privately – to question Peter Mandelson,” she wrote on X.
“It is right that he has now been sacked.
“The FCDO should not have stopped us from asking questions. The government should welcome such scrutiny.”
Tom Watling11 September 2025 12:34
Polanski: Mandelson’s tensure in Washington is a sign of broken politics
Lord Peter Mandelson’s tenure in Washington, however short, is a “sign of a dirty, broken political system,” Green Party Leader Zack Polanski has said.
“Starmer’s instinct was to stand by Peter Mandelson, despite the evidence. His resignation now isn’t a matter of principle; it’s simple political expediency.
“It’s a symbol of a broken politics where the same insiders always fail up. How long until Mandelson ends up in a high-paid consultancy somewhere?
“While another washed-up former Westminster insider ends up in Washington? His resignation, like his original appointment, is a sign of a dirty, broken political system.”
(AFP/Getty)
Tom Watling11 September 2025 12:19