UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed Britain’s ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, after new revelations about his relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The Foreign Office said Mandelson was withdrawn “with immediate effect” after newly uncovered emails showed he sought to defend Epstein during his 2008 prosecution.

“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,” the ministry said. “In particular, Mandelson’s suggestion that Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged is new information.”

According to The Sun and Bloomberg, Mandelson urged Epstein to “fight for early release” and advised him to “remember the Art of War” while under investigation. In one message, sent a day before Epstein began serving his 18-month sentence for procuring a minor for prostitution, Mandelson wrote: “I think the world of you.”

Dubbed “the Prince of Darkness” during his years as Labour’s chief spin doctor, Mandelson has twice resigned from government before, under Tony Blair in the late 1990s and early 2000s following misconduct allegations.

The 71-year-old told the BBC he had “foolishly relied” on claims of Epstein’s innocence. “His lawyers said it was a shakedown, a criminal conspiracy. I regret to this day relying on their word,” he said.

The sacking comes just days before US President Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK. Opposition Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called Mandelson’s role “untenable,” while several Labour MPs had also urged Starmer to act.

Mandelson, who once described Epstein as his “best pal” in a 2003 birthday tribute letter, expressed “deep regret” over their long association.