U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday dismissed Peter Mandelson, the British ambassador to the U.S., over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
A separate tranche of emails between Mandelson and Epstein surfaced in the days that followed, redoubling calls for his ouster, the BBC reports.
“In particular, Peter Mandelson’s suggestion that Jeffrey Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged is new information.
In light of that, and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes he has been withdrawn as Ambassador with immediate effect.”
Go deeper… Read: House panel releases records from Epstein estate
U. K. . Peter Mandelson, the British ambassador to the United States, was fired by Prime Minister Keir Starmer Thursday. S. because of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sexual offender.
Why it matters: Epstein’s alleged “birthday book” was released earlier this week, which brought Mandelson’s relationship with the disgraced financier back into the public eye. In it, he called Epstein his “best friend.”. “.”.
The BBC reports that calls for Mandelson’s removal increased after a different set of emails between him and Epstein came to light in the days that followed.
Leading the news: Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty said in a statement in the House of Commons Thursday that “the Prime Minister has asked the foreign secretary to withdraw him as ambassador to the United States in light of additional information in emails written by Peter Mandelson.”.
“Dot appears in the emails. that the breadth and depth of Lord Mandelson’s relationship differs significantly from what was known when he was appointed,” he added.
Specifically, Peter Mandelson’s assertion that Jeffrey Epstein’s initial conviction was incorrect and ought to be overturned is fresh data. As a result, Epstein has been removed from his position as Ambassador with immediate effect, keeping in mind the victims of his crimes. “,”.
The Embassy of Great Britain in Washington, D.C. Reaction to Axios’ request for comment was delayed.
Quick recap: Mandelson was among a number of well-known public figures whose entries in Epstein’s birthday book caused controversy.
There was also outrage over a pornographic note and drawing that seemed to be signed by President Trump. Bill Clinton, the former president, also did so in a note.
Trump has denied writing and signing the letter, but according to analysis by The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, Trump’s purported signature looked similar to other times he signed his name in the 1990s and 2000s.
Go farther. See also: Epstein estate records are released by a House panel.
