Top diplomat who stood in after Lord Mandelson sacking abruptly leaves post

A top diplomat who stood in as interim ambassador after Lord Peter Mandelson was sacked has abruptly left his post with no explanation.

James Roscoe, who served as deputy head of mission at the British Embassy since 2022, had been tipped to replace Lord Mandelson as ambassador to the United States.

The posting was later handed to Sir Christian Turner instead, however.

Lord Mandelson was sacked from the role after his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein emerged.

He has previously denied any wrongdoing over his relationship with Epstein, and has apologised to the financier's victims.

As charge d'affaires to the US, Mr Roscoe played a key role in Donald Trump's state visit to the UK last September.

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More recently, as second in command at the embassy, he was involved in the King's recent US state visit to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Before moving to Washington, he was the UK ambassador to the United Nations and previously served as communications chief to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

He had previously been chief press officer in Downing Street for prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

His earlier diplomatic postings included the UN, Sierra Leone and Iraq.

In a brief statement, a Foreign Office spokesman said: "James Roscoe has left his post."

(c) Sky News 2026: Top diplomat who stood in after Lord Mandelson sacking abruptly leaves post