Peter Mandelson sacked as U.S. ambassador.
Emails showed close ties with Jeffrey Epstein.
Foreign ministry said new details forced dismissal.
Mandelson, 71, key Labour figure under Tony Blair.
ISLAMABAD: Britain’s ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson was sacked Thursday after leaked emails exposed deep ties to Jeffrey Epstein, intensifying political fallout for Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Mandelson, 71, a veteran Labour politician who played a central role in Tony Blair’s government, was asked to step down after letters and emails surfaced showing he described Epstein as “my best pal” and advised him on pursuing early release when facing charges over soliciting a minor, Reuters reported.
“In light of the additional information in emails written by Peter Mandelson, the prime minister has asked the foreign secretary to withdraw him as ambassador,” Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said in a statement.
It added that the material demonstrated Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein was “materially different from that known at the time of his appointment.”
Mandelson, who earned the nickname “Prince of Darkness” for his behind-the-scenes influence in the Labour Party, had previously expressed regret over his dealings with Epstein.
“I deeply regret ever meeting Epstein and that I carried on that association for far longer than I should have done,” he said Wednesday. His remarks initially appeared to reassure Starmer, who defended him in parliament later that day.
