The United Kingdom prime minister has directed the foreign secretary to withdraw Peter Mandelson from his post as Ambassador to the United States after newly disclosed emails revealed a far deeper relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein than was previously known. According to officials, the correspondence shows that Mandelson not only maintained extensive contact with Epstein but also suggested that Epstein’s first conviction was “wrongful” and should be challenged — a position not disclosed at the time of his appointment.
“In light of that, and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes he has been withdrawn as Ambassador with immediate effect,” a government spokesperson said.