Mandelson helped 'best pal' Epstein in child sex trial

Calls grow for peer to quit as damning emails emerge

- BY CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN

LORD Mandelson's career was hanging by a thread last night after it emerged he advised paedophile pal Jeffrey Epstein through his child sex scandal.

As pressure grew on Keir Starmer to sack the Labour peer from his UK ambassador to the US role, leaked emails revealed he urged the late tycoon to fight for early release from jail while facing charges of soliciting a minor for prostitution.

Lord Mandelson yesterday made a desperate bid to cling to his job by reiterating his deep regrets at remaining friends with the pervert while knowing about his sick crimes.

But his emails told how vile Epstein was the one facing "torture" over his arrest for sex attacks on young girls that left many of the victims traumatised for life.

He also admitted more shocking revelations could come out about his relationship with the abuser, who he called his "best pal".

In one of gushing email, sent as the American awaited sentencing in June 2008, Lord Mandelson said: "Your friends stay with you and love you." Another laid bare the extraordinary support the Labour peer offered the serial sex abuser.

Sent just before he struck a plea deal with Florida prosecutors and was jailed for 18 months, it read: "I think the world of you and I feel hopeless and furious about what has happened.