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.
Why it matters: Mandelson's relationship with the disgraced financier was thrust back into the spotlight after the release of Epstein's so-called "birthday book" earlier this week. In it, he described Epstein as his "best pal."
- A separate tranche of emails between Mandelson and Epstein surfaced in the days that followed, redoubling calls for his ouster, the BBC reports.
Driving the news: "In light of additional information in emails written by Peter Mandelson, the Prime Minister has asked the foreign secretary to withdraw him as ambassador to the United States," Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty said in a statement in the House of Commons Thursday.
- "The emails show ... that the depth and extent of Lord Mandelson's relationship is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment," he continued.
- "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 In light of that, and mindful of the victims of Epstein's crimes he has been withdrawn as Ambassador with immediate effect."
- The British Embassy in Washington, D.C., did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.
Catch up quick: Mandelson was one of several high-profile public officials whose contributions to Epstein's birthday book raised eyebrows.
- A lewd note and accompanying drawing that appeared to bear President Trump's signature also drew backlash. So did a note from former President Bill Clinton.
- The White House has denied that Trump wrote and signed the letter, but analyses by The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times found Trump's alleged signature resembled the style other times he signed his name in the 1990s and 2000s.
Go deeper... Read: House panel releases records from Epstein estate
