British PM Keir Starmer fires Peter Mandelson as US ambassador over Epstein ties

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday fired the country’s ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, over his links to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

A series of emails were published that revealed his close connection to Jeffrey Epstein.

Mandelson, 71, had faced mounting scrutiny since Monday, when US politicians published a redacted copy of a "birthday book" given to the disgraced financier in 2003 for his 50th birthday, Euronews reported.

Included in its pages was a handwritten note from the British diplomat which described Epstein as his "best pal." 

Mandelson has voiced his deep regret over his previous links with Epstein and said he knew nothing about his criminal activities.