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“In light of that, and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes, he has been withdrawn as ambassador with immediate effect,” the minister added.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.
Mandelson-Epstein latest: Key points
- Mandelson sacked as US ambassador by Starmer
- Downing Street appoints interim US ambassador
- Starmer found Mandelson emails with Epstein 'reprehensible'
- Starmer left King in ‘terrible position’ ahead of state visit
- Resurfaced emails show Mandelson support for Epstein during investigation
- Thornberry pulls out of deputy Labour leader race
Former Labour deputy leader describes Mandelson as ‘shameful’
13:40
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David Maddox, political editor
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.”
Peter Mandelson sacked as US ambassador after fresh revelations over his links to Epstein
13:30
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Rebecca Whittaker
'He stood up for freedom and his Christian faith,' MP said following death of right-wing political activist
13:17
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Rebecca Whittaker
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.
Why Epstein and Mandelson’s friendship matters even more than you think
13:01
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Tom Watling
Starmer found Mandelson emails with Epstein 'reprehensible'
12:51
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Tom Watling
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.”
Downing Street appoints interim US ambassador
12:49
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Tom Watling
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.
Primark boss issues stark warning to Reeves over Budget
12:44
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Tom Watling
Thornberry applauds sacking of Mandelson
12:34
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Tom Watling
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.”
Since the first rumours of his appointment, my committee has repeatedly asked - publicly and privately - to question Peter Mandelson.
— Emily Thornberry (@EmilyThornberry) September 11, 2025
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.
Polanski: Mandelson's tensure in Washington is a sign of broken politics
12:19
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Tom Watling
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.”
Government declines to say whether Mandelson will have Labour whip removed
12:09
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Tom Watling
The Government has declined to say whether Lord Mandelson has had the Labour whip removed.
In the Commons, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said: “I do not know what it is about the decades of scandals and being best friends with a notorious child trafficker and paedophile, which should have got some alarm bells ringing in number 10 before this decision was taken.”
He added: “Did the Prime Minister know about these emails prior to standing up in that despatch box just yesterday to say he had confidence in Mr Mandelson, and does he retain the Labour whip in the House of Lords?”
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty said the Government “will keep the House updated on these matters”, adding: “That decisive decision has been has been made, and as I’ve been very, very clear, all candidates are subject to routine, extensive vetting and background checks.”
Temporary ambassadorial team in place following Lord Mandelson's sacking
12:01
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Tom Watling
Former Tory minister calls for all documents related to Lord Mandelson's latest appointment to be released
11:52
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Tom Watling
A Conservative former minister has urged the Government to release all documents relating to Lord Mandelson’s appointment.
Father of the House Sir Edward Leigh, one of the longest serving MPs, said: “I just give him some gentle advice, in my experience of these scandals, the cover up and the lack of due process and the allegations of cronyism are much more serious than any original offence or alleged offence.
“So will the minister ensure that every single document is released post haste about the process, including this issue about the meeting that Mandelson requested with prime minister Blair?”
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty did not respond directly to Sir Edward’s question, but said “officials are working diligently day and night” to ensure Donald Trump’s state visit is a “success”.
Government says Peter Mandelson sacked 'in light of new emails' over relationship with Jeffrey Epstein
11:40
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Tom Watling
Below you can see the moment that Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty announces that Lord Peter Mandelson has been sacked.
Badenoch says Starmer failed in leadership over Mandelson incident
11:32
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Tom Watling
Leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch has accused Sir Keir Starmer of “failing” as the prime minister by not sacking Lord Peter Mandelson earlier.
“Peter Mandelson is now gone, but Keir Starmer failed yet another key test of leadership.
“I asked him about Peter Mandelson’s links to the notorious paedophile Jeffrey Epstein six times at Prime Minister’s Questions. And six times he could not provide any answers.
“He gave his full backing to a man unfit for office. This matters for you. Because the Prime Minister has been distracted from the serious national security and economic challenges our country is facing.
“He is a weak Prime Minister, who doesn’t have the courage to do the right thing at the right time.
“The deficit is growing, debt is mounting, the welfare budget is spiralling out of control, and we are bracing for punishing tax rises from Rachel Reeves this Autumn.
“Enough is enough."
You can see her video and full statement below.
Mandelson might have gone but, just as with Angela Rayner, Starmer dithered when he needed to be decisive.
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) September 11, 2025
Time and again he puts party above country. He has no backbone and no convictions.
There are now serious questions over what Starmer knew and when. We deserve to know. pic.twitter.com/zhV4MlFkW1
Labour MP demands inquiry into Mandelson appointment
11:24
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Archie Mitchell
The Independent’s Political Correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
A Labour MP has demanded an inquiry into how Lord Mandelson’s ties with Jeffrey Epstein were not picked up during his appointment.
Their relationship was public knowledge, but emails which surfaced in recent days shone a light on just how close the pair were.
The Foreign Office said he was eventually sacked after it emerged he had encouraged Epstein to push for early release when facing child sex offence charges.
Andy McDonald said: “The prime minister has made exactly the right decision, and I think that has to be acknowledged, he's moved at pace.
“Clearly the appointment process didn't pick up these issues, that's self evident. So can we have an assurance that there will be an inquiry as to why that was not the case?”
Mandelson coached Epstein on ‘staying strong’ as he faced child sex charges, shock leaked messages reveal
11:22
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Millie Cooke
The Independent’s Political Correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
As we report that Lord Peter Mandelson has been fired after overwhelming pressure from politicians on both sides of the Commons, we remind you what triggered this latest - and what would prove final - episode concerning the ambassador to the US’s relationship with the late, disgraced Jeffrey Epstein.
Lib Dem leader asks why Mandelson was ever appointed in the first place
11:17
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Tom Watling
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said the Prime Minister should come before Parliament to explain why Peter Mandelson was appointed US ambassador in the first place.
Sir Ed said in a statement: “The Prime Minister now needs to appoint an ambassador who will stand up to Trump, not cosy up to him and his cronies.
“He also needs to come before Parliament and explain why Lord Mandelson was appointed in the first place, given everything the Government knew then.
“This Government seems to be lurching from one crisis to another. It desperately needs to get a grip on fixing the economy and public services so badly damaged by the Conservatives.”
Starmer left King in ‘terrible position’ ahead of state visit
11:11
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Archie Mitchell
The Independent’s Political Correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has left the King in a “terrible position” ahead of Donald Trump’s state visit, a Tory shadow minister has said.
Neil O’Brien said: “Next week, it's going to be the state visit. This is huge turmoil ahead of it. I cannot believe that the government had put our monarch in this terrible position. I am glad that Peter Mandelson has now gone.
“The foreign secretary had said that protecting women, girls and victims was her priority.
“How on earth did that square with the behavior of the government over recent days, squirming and twisting to try and protect Peter Mandelson, rather than the victims?”
Tory Neil O’Brien: ‘What did the PM know and when?’
11:09
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Archie Mitchell
The Independent’s Political Correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
A Tory frontbencher has demanded Sir Keir Starmer answer questions about exactly what he knew and when regarding Lord Mandelson’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein and his appointment as ambassador to the US.
Neil O’Brien said it was “is yet another extraordinary error of judgment by this prime minister”.
He said: “It raises massive questions. It is not just that Peter Mandelson said that Epstein was his best pal and that he loved him.
“It wasn't just that he brokered a deal for him while he was business secretary. We now, of course, know that he was working for Epstein's early release after he was convicted.
“And the simple question is this, is the minister now saying that the prime minister did not know about any of this at the point where he was appointed?
“What did the Prime Minister know at the point of his appointment?”
We have the full quote announcing Mandelson's sacking
11:00
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Tom Watling
Here we have the full quote from Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty as he announces Lord Peter Mandelson’s sacking.
He said: “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 to the United States.
“The emails show that the depth and extent of Lord Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment.
“In particular, Lord Mandelson’s suggestion that Jeffrey Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged is new information.
“And in light of that I’m mindful, as we all are, of the victims of Epstein’s appalling crimes, and he has been withdrawn as ambassador with immediate effect.”
Peter Mandelson sacked as US ambassador after fresh revelations over his links to Epstein
10:57
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Tom Watling
After overwhelming pressure, Sir Keir Starmer has ordered Lord Peter Mandelson to step down as UK ambassador to the UK.
You can read our piece in full below.
Mandelson is sacked as US ambassador
10:49
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Tom Watling
Sir Keir Starmer has asked Lord Peter Mandelson to be withdrawn as ambassador to the United States, Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty told MPs.
Mr Doughty said: “Lord Mandelson’s suggestion that Jeffrey Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged is new information.
“And 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.”
Ben Wallace demands Mandelson is sacked
10:31
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Tom Watling
Tory former defence secretary Ben Wallace has claimed that Lord Mandelson should never have been appointed as UK ambassador to the US.
With the Jeffrey Epstein scandal blowing up, Sir Ben has warned that Mandelson threatens to damage the UK’s brand if he stays in position.
He posted on X: “Peter Mandelson must go. From day 1 in DC it was always about him not about UK plc. He has spent his political career ‘regretting’ and ‘resigning’. Why he was ever allowed to represent the Crown and the UK is beyond me.”
Peter Mandelson must go. From day 1 in DC it was always about him not about UK plc. He has spent his political career “regretting” and “resigning”. Why he was ever allowed to represent the Crown and the UK is beyond me.
— Rt. Hon Ben Wallace (@BenWallace70) September 11, 2025
Sir Malcolm Rifkind expects Mandelson will resign
10:20
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Tom Watling
Respected former foreign secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind has told The Independent that Lord Mandelson’s position as the UK’s ambassador to the US is now “very weak” given the revelations over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.
For Sir Malcolm the key problem is the messages between the two after the former financier and paedophile was convicted.
He said he would expect Mandelson to fall on his sword as prime minister Sir Keir Starmer struggles to defend him.
Sir Malcolm said: “The revelation of the message he sent to Epstein after Epstein had plead guilty to a sex offence with a minor and been imprisoned, makes Mandelson’s position very weak. I would not be surprised if he chose to resign later today.”
Barker drops out of Labour deputy leadership race
10:07
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Tom Watling
Paula Barker has dropped out of the Labour deputy leadership race, giving her support to Lucy Powell.
She said: “The next deputy leader must listen to the concerns of every section of our party and not be afraid to bring those challenges to the government.
“Being a good team doesn’t mean we can’t be honest, criticism of government, when it’s constructive, makes us stronger.”
Read below for the latest on who is still in the running.
Former Foreign Affairs Committee chair calls for Mandelson to be questioned
09:52
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Tom Watling
Former chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee Alicia Kearns MP has called on her successor, Labour MP Emily Thornberry, to demand that Lord Peter Mandelson returns to the UK for questioning.
There are serious questions that need to be asked about the British Ambassador’s links to a convicted paedophile.
— Alicia Kearns MP (@aliciakearns) September 10, 2025
Parliament has a right & a duty to demand answers.
I urge the @CommonsForeign Chair @EmilyThornberry to haul in Lord Mandelson and Ministers to finally answer them. pic.twitter.com/NFGsupM7R1
MPs call for Mandelson to return for questioning
09:48
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Tom Watling
MPs are reportedly calling for Lord Peter Mandelson to return from the US for questioning over the latest revelations about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
As a Lord, Mandelson is not required to face questioning from MPs.
But the powerful Foreign Affairs Committee, comprised of many Labour MPs, is reportedly keen for him to return.
Tory MP and Foreign Affairs Committee member Aphra Brandreth has also urged Lord Mandelson to return to Britain to face questioning.
"At a time of huge instability around the globe, it's vital that the UK's ambassador to the US is focused completely on his job,” she told the broadcaster in a statement.
"As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I would welcome the opportunity to question Lord Mandelson on his ability to carry out his duties to the UK."
Minister to be forced to answer questions about Mandelson in Commons
09:31
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Tom Watling
A Government minister will be forced to answer questions in the Commons about Lord Mandelson’s appointment.
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has granted an urgent question to Tory Neil O’Brien.
Mr O’Brien said: “The Speaker has granted me an urgent question in Parliament on Peter Mandelson this morning. Starmer gave no answers yesterday, let’s try again.”
Lord Mandelson is not required to be questioned by MPs due to being a Lord.
Labour MP says Mandelson's role 'untenable'
09:29
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Tom Watling
Labour MP Rachael Maskell has said Lord Peter Mandelson’s role as UK ambassador to the US is “untenable” given his previous relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
It is untenable for the UK Ambassador to the US to stay in post. I am surprised that he is still there. He cannot hide behind process, politics is about integrity, character, culture and judgement. The survivors and victims of Epstein's dark web of abuse deserve better.
— Rachael Maskell MP (@RachaelMaskell) September 11, 2025
Chancellor announces plans to review business rate rules
09:09
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Tom Watling
The Treasury said a new report out on Thursday sets out how the Chancellor will look to fix sudden jumps in business rates, known as “cliff edges”, amid a number of options to encourage growth and investment among firms.
Ms Reeves said: “Our economy isn’t broken, but it does feel stuck.
“That’s why growth is our number one mission.
“We want to see thriving high streets and small businesses investing in their future, not held back by outdated rules or strangled by red tape.
“Tax reforms such as tackling cliff-edges in business rates and making reliefs fairer are vital to driving growth.
“We want to help small businesses expand to new premises and building an economy that works for, and rewards working people.”
Why Epstein and Mandelson’s friendship matters even more than you think
08:49
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Tom Watling
Emily Thornberry falls short in deputy leadership race
08:31
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Tom Watling
We have some more information on why Emily Thornberry has dropped out of the race for Labour’s deputy leadership race.
The MP failed to gain the necessary support in Labour’s deputy leadership race and pulled out.
The former shadow minister gained just 13 nominations from fellow MPs, well short of the necessary 80 to progress to a vote among members.
Home office minister described Mandelson messages with Epstein as 'disturbing'
08:16
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Tom Watling
Lord Mandelson’s messages to Jeffrey Epstein while he was being investigated for sex offences were “disturbing”, Home Office minister Mike Tapp said.
The UK ambassador to the US reportedly told Epstein to “fight for early release” shortly before he was sentenced to 18 months in prison, and told him, “I think the world of you” the day before he began his sentence in 2008.
Asked for his reaction, Mr Tapp told BBC Breakfast the emails made him “shudder”.
He added: “I find it disturbing, those sorts of emails in honesty… we have to just look at what Peter Mandelson saying around his regret and what he knew at the time.”
Thornberry pulls out of deputy Labour leader race
08:06
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Tom Watling
Emily Thornberry has announced the she is withdrawing from the race to become the next deputy leader of the Labour Party.
The Labour MP for Islington South, Finsbury and De Beauvoir wrote on X: “I'm deeply grateful to all the Labour members who have shared their support.
“But I have decided to withdraw. It has been a privilege to take part in this race with such brilliant women.
“I will always be committed to this party and do everything I can to make it successful.”
I'm deeply grateful to all the Labour members who have shared their support.
— Emily Thornberry (@EmilyThornberry) September 11, 2025
But I have decided to withdraw.
It has been a privilege to take part in this race with such brilliant women.
I will always be committed to this party and do everything I can to make it successful.
Labour MP: ‘He should go immediately… his position is untenable’
07:58
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Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
A Labour MP has said Lord Mandelson should immediately resign as his position is “completely and utterly untenable”.
Left-winger Andy McDonald said “100%” of the Labour MPs he has spoken to has lost confidence in the British ambassador to the US over his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
“It is widespread revulsion that we, by association, being in the same party, are being brought under the microscope for something that he has done. He's got to take responsibility for his actions and bring this to a close,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
He added that ex-deputy PM Angela Rayner “did the right thing” in resigning when found to have breached the ministerial code over her tax affairs. “This is of a completely different scale… it speaks about morality and judgment and Peter Mandelson’s position is just totally untenable, he needs to act and take responsibility for his failures and withdraw from the political scene immediately,” he said.
