He was named Sir Keir’s ambassador to the US in December ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Questions had been raised about his links to disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein in recent years.
But new revelations that he had supported Epstein while he was being investigated for sexual offences prompted calls from both Tory opposition leader Kemi Badenoch and some Labour MPs for him to be sacked.
BREAKING: Peter Mandelson has been sacked as UK ambassador to Washington
— Pippa Crerar (@PippaCrerar) September 11, 2025
Here’s the statement in full, issued by the British Embassy in Washington: “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.
“The emails show 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.
“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 In light of that, and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes he has been withdrawn as Ambassador with immediate effect.”
Peter Mandelson started out as a Labour communications director in 1985 and was first elected as an MP in 1992. He served in the cabinets of Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
Lord Mandelson was chief strategist for Labour in London in the 2010 election while Mr Brown toured the country.
Recommended reading:
Asked by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch how Peter Mandelson came to be appointed as US ambassador – and what he knew, and when .
Starmer told the House: “A full due process was followed during this appointment, as it is with all ambassadors.”
This came after Lib Dem leader Ed Davey asked Starmer if he was aware of the full extent of “compromising mateiral” the White House may have on Mandelson.
