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

James Roscoe has taken over from Lord Mandelson as interim ambassador while Downing Street begins the process of finding a permanent replacement.

While there is not yet any suggestion yet that Mr Roscoe will hold the position permanently, the career diplomat has a strong CV. He is currently the embassy’s chief of mission, a role which sees him take over in the absence of the ambassador. He was previously deputy head of mission at the British Embassy Washington in July 2022.

Read more by political correspondent Millie Cooke here:

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should be challenged, and it’s in light of that and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes – that is why he’s been withdrawn as ambassador with immediate effect.”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.