Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed Lord Peter Mandelson from his post as Britain’s ambassador to the United States following newly surfaced documents that shed troubling light on Mandelson’s ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The Foreign Office confirmed the dismissal, citing “additional information” from private emails that indicated Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein was “materially different” than previously disclosed at the time of his appointment.

Just days ago, Starmer had publicly defended Mandelson during Prime Minister’s Questions. However, mounting political and media pressure followed the release of U.S. congressional documents, including a letter in which Mandelson referred to Epstein as his “best pal.”

The correspondence, obtained by several media outlets including The Sun, shows that Mandelson privately lobbied for Epstein’s early release from prison, even engaging with individuals close to Epstein’s legal team. Notably, one message references Jay Lefkowitz, a former adviser in George W. Bush’s administration and part of Epstein’s defense circle—though Bush’s office has denied any involvement.

Mandelson has rejected accusations that he viewed Epstein’s conviction as unjust but admitted that he “believed Epstein was telling the truth” at the time.

Mandelson’s sudden removal has prompted fresh scrutiny over Starmer’s judgment, particularly regarding what he knew about Mandelson’s past associations when the diplomatic appointment was made.

With the controversy deepening and opposition figures demanding transparency, the government faces growing calls to release all vetting documents related to Mandelson’s ambassadorship.

This latest scandal comes at a sensitive moment for Starmer’s administration, potentially undermining its stance on integrity and accountability in public appointments.