Politics LIVE: Keir Starmer has sacked his ambassador Peter Mandelson in huge blow

Sir Keir Starmer has sacked Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States, over Mandelson's links with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

It comes just a day after Sir Keir said he had confidence in Lord Mandelson, who is a former Labour cabinet minister.

Lord Mandelson was hand-picked by Sir Keir to represent the UK in Washington. Usually, an experienced diplomat would get a job like this, but the Prime Minister picked a Labour politician.

Stephen Doughty, a Foreign Office Minister, told the Commons that new information about the extent of Mandelson's relationship had come to light with the publication of new emails. But Conservatives said the affair raised serious questions about the Prime Minister's judgment.

Lord Mandelson sent paedophile Epstein a series of supportive messages even after he was accused of child sex offences, it has emerged.

He wrote to US financier Epstein while he was facing charges in June 2008 and said: "Your friends stay with you and love you."

The FBI had opened an investigation into Epstein in 2006 and the US Attorney's Office prepared an indictment in June 2007. On June 30 2008, Epstein appeared in court to plead guilty to charges of solicitation of prostitution, and solicitation of prostitution with a minor under the age of 18.