The United Kingdom’s Ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, has been dismissed by U.K.Prime Minister Keir Starmer after more facts surfaced regarding the diplomat’s connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

This week, U.S. legislators disclosed several documents that indicated a close friendship between Mandelson and Epstein, including a letter where Mandelson referred to the disgraced financier as his “best pal.” in 2019, Epstein committed suicide in jail while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

The British Foreign,Commonwealth and Progress Office (FCDO) released a statement on Thursday, stating, “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 statement continued, “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 frist 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 In light of that,and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes he has been withdrawn as Ambassador with immediate effect,” the statement concluded.

As Britain seeks to maintain its “special relationship” with the U.S., the successor to Mandelson in the crucial position of U.S. ambassador-arguably the most significant diplomat in the U.K.’s Foreign Office-remains uncertain.

While the position is often held by seasoned politicians, Mandelson’s replacement will need to gain favor with a pragmatic White House that values results.

Starmer will be eager to maintain his seemingly cordial relationship with Trump, as the two leaders have a strong connection despite thier differing political views.

Trump, who is known to be an Anglophile, will be in the U.K. next week for a state visit. His positive sentiments toward the U.K. were seen as a contributing factor to the swift trade agreement reached by the two nations in June,which established a 10% baseline tariff rate on British goods imported into the U.S.

Political Fallout

“I have confidence in him.”

Starmer has faced growing demands to reveal the extent of the government’s knowledge regarding veteran politician Mandelson’s interactions with Epstein before appointing him as U.S. ambassador in late 2024.

Just a day prior, Starmer defended Mandelson, telling British lawmakers, “I have confidence in him,” when questioned about the appointment during the weekly parliamentary question-and-answer session.

The white House is also under pressure to release documents pertaining to president Donald Trump’s past friendship with Epstein, although their relationship reportedly deteriorated in the mid-2000s.

In July, Trump stated that even if the courts released grand jury transcripts in the criminal cases of Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, who was found guilty of procuring young girls, “nothing will be good enough for the troublemakers and radical left lunatics.”

On Monday, House Democrats released a screenshot of what appeared to be a letter signed by Trump, which was included in a collection of notes sent to Epstein for his 50th birthday in 2003. The letter contained a cryptic exchange between Trump and Epstein inside what appeared to be a hand-drawn outline of a woman’s torso. Trump’s signature was located just below the hips of the drawing.

The letter has been publicly available since its existence was initially reported by The Wall Street Journal in mid-July. Trump has not only refuted writing the letter, but he has also filed a defamation lawsuit against the newspaper. The White House has stated that Trump neither drew nor signed the picture.

A request for comment has been made to a spokesperson for Trump’s legal team.