UK ambassador dismissed due to ties with Epstein

Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, dismissed Peter Mandelson, the country’s ambassador to the U.S., over his association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted American sex offender.

According to Reuters and CNN, Mandelson was removed from his position on Thursday, September 20, 2025, after his long-term connection with Epstein became a source of mounting criticism for the embattled Prime Minister.

Mandelson, 71, who had been nicknamed the “Prince of Darkness” for his behind-the-scenes actions during the last Labour government, was forced to step down following the publication of letters and emails he had sent to Epstein earlier this week.

The UK Foreign Office, confirming Mandelson’s dismissal, stated that in light of the matter and considering the victims of Epstein’s crimes, he has been removed from his ambassadorial post.

The Foreign Office statement claimed that the new revelations include previously undisclosed information.

Mandelson, who had long denied any relationship with Epstein, issued a statement yesterday expressing deep regret for meeting with Epstein and for maintaining this connection “much longer than he should have.”

The scandal surrounding Mandelson has created yet another major political headache for the embattled Prime Minister Starmer.