Overview
- Mandelson was removed with immediate effect after officials reviewed emails that the government said changed its understanding of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
- The Foreign Office cited respect for Epstein’s victims in explaining the decision and confirmed the prime minister asked the foreign secretary to withdraw him.
- British media published messages attributed to Mandelson from 2008 expressing support for Epstein, including urging him to fight for early release and saying, “I think the world of you.”
- U.S. lawmakers released a 2003 birthday album in which Mandelson called Epstein his best friend, adding to pressure that built through the week.
- Keir Starmer initially defended Mandelson before reversing course, as opposition leaders condemned his judgment ahead of President Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK on September 17–18.