In disastrous timing for a prime minister already trying to recover from a series of setbacks, Starmer sacked Mandelson on Thursday morning after initially standing by him as details of the ambassador’s friendship with Epstein came out in U.S. document releases this week, arguing that newly leaked emails show his support for Epstein even after his conviction for soliciting sex from a minor went far deeper than known at the time of his appointment in December.

Trump, who has denied apparent evidence that he, too, was fond of Epstein in the past, was irritated by the handling of Mandelson’s dismissal, said one person informed of White House discussions. He was displeased not to have been informed personally by Starmer and is apprehensive about anything that could overshadow his state visit next week, this person said.