BURSTPeter Mandelson, who was ousted Thursday as the U.K.'s top diplomat in the U.S., has led a storied career in British politics over the past two decades — including at least two resignations.
Mandelson was removed from his post because of his ties to the late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Stephen Doughty, the U.K.’s minister of state for Europe, North America and overseas territories, announced the move early Thursday, condemning the diplomat for his seemingly tight friendship with the convicted sex offender.
Here's what you need to know about Mandelson.
Epstein association
Controversy surrounding Mandelson picked up after the House Oversight Committee released a 10-page note written in 2003 in which the ex-diplomat described Epstein as his “best pal.”
At the time, Mandelson wrote, “wherever he [Epstein] is in the world, he remains my best pal!”
He also referred to the late financier as “intelligent,” “sharp-witted” and “mysterious,” and said he would host friends “in one of his glorious homes.”
However, upon public release, Mandelson said his feelings toward Epstein — who died in a jail cell in 2019 while awaiting sex trafficking charges — are now much different.
“One, I feel a tremendous sense, a profound sense of sympathy for those people, those women who suffered as a result of his behavior and his illegal, criminal activities,” Mandelson told The Sun’s Harry Cole in a Tuesday night interview. “And secondly, I regret very, very deeply indeed, carrying on that association with him for far longer than I should have done.”
The so called "birthday book," which was turned over to the House by Epstein's estate, also featured photos of the two vacationing as a part of a gift presented to Epstein by co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving time in prison, for his 50th birthday.
Other powerful leaders including former President Clinton and President Trump also allegedly submitted correspondence for the for the present.
Trump has denied writing the letter that reportedly includes his signature.
Mandelson and Trump have also had a close relationship since the president returned to office in January. The diplomat was also lauded for securing the first trade deal with the U.S. amid the Trump administration's sweeping tariff agenda.
Although the diplomat once deeply criticized the president, he's recently shared fond words about him, opening the door for a strengthened partnership between the two nations. Trump is expected to visit the U.K. later this month.
Nicknamed 'Prince of Darkness'
Mandelson has held a wide array of political positions, beginning his career in government in 1978 as chair of the British Youth Council," according to his bio.
The duties propelled him into a leadership role within the Labour Party as director of communications from 1985 to 1990.
A few of his other appointments include Trade and Industry secretary, a role he held for two terms, in addition to Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, First Secretary of State and Lord President of the Council.
He was eventually named European Commissioner for Trade in 2004 after serving as a member of Parliament for Hartlepool in 1992. Mandelson was later elevated to the House of Lords as a Life Peer in 2008.
In those roles, he frequently traveled to the U.S., Austria, South Africa, Hungary, Israel, the Far East, Russia and India, building a new name for the Labour Party across the world. His rebrand revitalized the party’s connection to British voters ahead of elections in 1997, 2001 and 2005.
His unique spin on policy gained him the title of “Prince of Darkness” in headlines from The Financial Times, The Independent and other outlets.
Resignations, rebukes and scandals
Mandelson’s rebuke from Doughtry is not the first in his political career.
In 1976, he resigned as the secretary of Trade and Industry over reports of political impropriety after borrowing 373,000 pounds — or nearly $506,400 at the 2025 exchange rate — from his subordinate, Paymaster General Geoffrey Robinson, to buy a house, according to BBC.
“I should have been open about it — and in so doing I would have protected myself from the appearance of a conflict of interest,” Mandelson said at the time, per the outlet. "I didn't and I have paid a very big price for it."
The diplomat said he was unsure if mortgage forms accurately reflected the transaction.
Mandelson resigned again in 2001 as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland after being accused of asserting his power to fast-track a passport for Srichand Parmanand Hinduja, an Indian-born British businessman.
“I confess in reaching my decision that there is another factor," Mandelson wrote in a resignation letter published by The Guardian. "As a reading of today's newspapers shows all too graphically, there must be more to politics than the constant media pressure and exposure that has dogged me over the last five or so years."
“I want to remove myself from the countless stories of controversy, feuds and divisions, and all the rest, all the other stories that have surrounded me," he continued. "I want, in other words, to lead a more normal life, both in politics and, in the future, outside. That is my decision and I hope that everyone will respect that."