Overview

• The Foreign Office said newly published emails made Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein “materially different” from what was known at his appointment, and he was withdrawn with immediate effect.
• Messages from 2008 show Mandelson telling Epstein to “fight for early release,” suggesting his first conviction was wrongful, and writing “I think the world of you” the day before Epstein began his sentence.
• Keir Starmer had stated he had confidence in Mandelson a day earlier but reversed course after reviewing the additional emails, following pressure from opposition leaders and several Labour MPs.
• The latest disclosures followed a U.S. House Oversight release of Epstein’s 2003 birthday book that included Mandelson’s handwritten note calling Epstein “my best pal.”
• The dismissal comes days before President Donald Trump’s state visit to the U.K., as parties call for disclosure of Mandelson’s correspondence and a review of ambassadorial vetting procedures.