Mandelson sent Epstein 'love' after abuse claims

Calls grow for PM to sack his ambassador

- By Jonathan Walker and Christopher Bucktin

PETER Mandelson sent paedophile Jeffrey Epstein a series of supportive messages after the US billionaire was accused of child sex offences, it emerged last night.

The revelation, which came just hours after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told MPs he had confidence in Britain's ambassador to the US, sparked furious Tory demands for the Labour grandee to resign.

It also cast doubt on the PM's judgment following a chaotic return from the summer recess.

Lord Mandelson, a former Cabinet minister hand-picked by Sir Keir for his diplomatic role, wrote to Epstein while he was facing charges in June 2008, saying: "Your friends stay with you and love you."

The financier admitted later that month to solicitation of prostitution and solicitation of prostitution with a minor under the age of 18.

Messages published by a newspaper, also revealed Lord Mandelson had told Epstein: "Fight for early release." Earlier yesterday the Prime Minister threw his full support behind his Labour colleague in the Commons.