Peter Mandelson sacked as US ambassador by Starmer over ‘reprehensible’ emails to Epstein: Latest updates

Speaking on Sky News’ Political Dysfunction podcast out later today, former Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman described Lord Madelson as “shameful” for not resigning.

She said: “I think he’s right to sack him. I wish he’d never appointed him, but now he’s gone. I think it’s really shameful that Peter Mandelson didn’t actually resign.

“I think he should never have put himself forward for that job, knowing what he, Peter Mandelson, knew about what was likely to come out. So I think it’s been a horrible, awful episode. And the important thing is to move on.”

Charlie Kirk was a “friend” to the UK and he “stood up for freedom”, a Conservative MP told the Commons, as he paid tribute to the Donald Trump ally.

Andrew Rosindell said he welcomed Mr Kirk to the Houses of Parliament in 2018, taking him to a Christmas reception at Speaker’s House.

“He was a friend of the United Kingdom. He stood up for freedom and his Christian faith, and we mourn his loss and send our condolences to his family and friends,” the Romford MP added.

Sir Keir Starmer found Lord Mandelson’s emails to Jeffrey Epstein “reprehensible”, Downing Street has said.

Asked if the Prime Minister shared the view of two ministers who have said they were disgusted and sickened by the messages, Sir Keir’s spokesman said:

“I think it’s self-evident that he found the content of these emails reprehensible,” he said.

Asked what aspect Sir Keir found reprehensible, he said the depth and extent of the relationship shown in the emails was “new information”.

“And they show that Peter Mandelson suggested, that Jeffrey Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful, should be challenged, and it’s in light of that and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes – that is why he’s been withdrawn as ambassador with immediate effect.”

Downing Street has appointed James Roscoe , Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Washington, as the acting interim ambassador in the US.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister told journalists that Mr Roscoe, who is also a former ambassador to the United Nations, will take up the role from Lord Peter Mandelson immediately.

Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Emily Thornberry, has backed the sacking of Lord Peter Mandelson.

While MPs cannot question Mandelson due to his lordship, the Foreign Affairs Committee is tasked with scrutinising ambassadorial appointments.

“Since the first rumours of his appointment, my committee has repeatedly asked – publicly and privately – to question Peter Mandelson,” she wrote on X.

“It is right that he has now been sacked.

“The FCDO should not have stopped us from asking questions. The government should welcome such scrutiny.”

Lord Peter Mandelson’s tenure in Washington, however short, is a “sign of a dirty, broken political system,” Green Party Leader Zack Polanski has said.

“Starmer’s instinct was to stand by Peter Mandelson, despite the evidence. His resignation now isn’t a matter of principle; it’s simple political expediency.

“It’s a symbol of a broken politics where the same insiders always fail up. How long until Mandelson ends up in a high-paid consultancy somewhere?

“While another washed-up former Westminster insider ends up in Washington? His resignation, like his original appointment, is a sign of a dirty, broken political system.”