DEVELOPING: Mandelson's Shock Departure Sparks Widespread Panic Among Labour MPs

BREAKING NEWS: Mandelson's Shock Departure Sparks Widespread Panic Among Labour MPs Labour heavyweight Peter Mandelson has been dismissed as the UK's ambassador to the US, just days before US President Joe Biden is set to arrive for a state visit. The move comes after new information emerged about his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffery Epstein. Mandelson's sacking has sent shockwaves through Labour ranks, with Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander describing MPs as "despondent" over the chaotic week that has seen the departure of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner last week and now Mandelson. The government claims new information about the extent of Mandelson's friendship with Epstein prompted his dismissal. The timing of Mandelson's departure is particularly sensitive, given the upcoming state visit from President Biden. The prime minister must now find a new ambassador to Washington at short notice. Labour MPs are reeling from the latest blow, following last week's resignation of Angela Rayner as Deputy Prime Minister. Sir Keir Starmer faces questions over his decision to appoint Mandelson despite his links to Epstein. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Bbc.*