LONDON (AP) — A year ago, Peter Mandelson served as Britain’s ambassador to Washington, marking the apex of a tumultuous yet impactful political journey. However, his friendship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein resulted in his dismissal from that high-profile position. Recent disclosures concerning his connections with Epstein have led to mounting pressure on Mandelson to provide clarification about their relationship, a demand shared by other prominent figures, including King Charles III's brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Mandelson resigned from the governing Labour Party on Sunday, following new allegations that he accepted payments from Epstein twenty years earlier. Although he denied these claims—which emerged from a massive release of over 3 million documents by the U.S. Department of Justice—he indicated that he was stepping down to prevent causing "further embarrassment" to the party.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously terminated Mandelson's ambassadorial role due to earlier findings about his ties to Epstein and is now advocating for Mandelson to exit politics altogether and to testify in the United States regarding his understanding of Epstein’s activities. Opposition politicians and some Labour Party lawmakers are urging the police to investigate claims that Mandelson provided sensitive government information to Epstein. The Metropolitan Police have acknowledged receiving reports related to alleged misconduct in a public office and have stated they would review these reports to see if they warrant a criminal investigation.
On Monday, Starmer pressed Mandelson to resign from his lifetime seat in the House of Lords and to relinquish his noble title of Lord Mandelson. Should he refuse to do so voluntarily, the situation could necessitate a protracted legislative process, reminiscent of the last time Parliament removed the titles of aristocrats during World War I. Starmer's spokesman, Tom Wells, stated that while the Prime Minister believes Mandelson should no longer hold a seat or title, he lacks the direct power to enforce such removal.
Besides demands for Mandelson to step down, he and Mountbatten-Windsor face calls to provide testimonies about Epstein in the U.S. Cabinet minister Steve Reed remarked that both individuals bear a “moral obligation” to disclose any information that could benefit Epstein's victims.
Epstein, who died by suicide in a jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial for federal charges of sexually abusing numerous young girls, had previously managed to evade federal prosecution by pleading guilty to state charges in Florida for solicitation of prostitution involving a minor.
Recent documentation has revealed hundreds of text messages and emails exchanged between Mandelson and Epstein, highlighting a close relationship which Mandelson referred to as “my best pal” in 2003. Additionally, the documents point to substantial payments from Epstein to accounts associated with Mandelson, including three payments totaling $75,000, purportedly sent between 2003 and 2004. Mandelson has challenged the authenticity of these claims and emphasized his lack of recollection regarding any money received from Epstein while pledging to investigate further.
Moreover, records indicate that Epstein funded £10,000 (approximately $13,650 at current rates) for Mandelson's partner, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, to enroll in an osteopathy course. An email exchange from 2009 seemingly captured Mandelson, then a minister, discussing an effort to lobby for a reduction in taxes on banker bonuses. Other materials also suggested that Mandelson communicated sensitive U.K. government discussions to Epstein post the 2008 global financial crisis.
Starmer has mandated an urgent review by the civil service of all of Mandelson’s communications with Epstein during his tenure in the government. Among the released files is a striking photo of Mandelson dressed in a shirt and underwear, positioned near an unidentified woman in a bathrobe.
Peter Mandelson, 72, has long been a significant, albeit polarizing, person within the Labour Party. Recognized as a politically savvy yet oftentimes controversial figure, he was instrumental in the party's rise to power in 1997 under Tony Blair as part of the "New Labour" movement. Having served in prominent government roles under both Blair and Gordon Brown, Mandelson faced two resignations during Blair's administration due to allegations regarding financial or ethical misconduct, which he acknowledged as mistakes while disputing any wrongdoing. His recent appointment as ambassador to Washington at the onset of Donald Trump’s second term was seen as a strategic move, given Mandelson's extensive experience in trade and relations with affluent sectors. However, the emergence of his ongoing association with Epstein, despite prior knowledge of the financier’s criminal history, culminated in his ultimate dismissal.
