Mandelson Resigns Labour Party Membership Amid Renewed Epstein Scrutiny
Lord Peter Mandelson has resigned from the Labour Party, citing a desire to avoid causing “further embarrassment” following the release of additional files relating to his association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The resignation, announced on Sunday, February 1, 2026, comes after newly released US Department of Justice documents revealed further details of their relationship, including apparent financial transactions and communications.
The latest batch of files, released on Friday, appear to show bank statements detailing three payments totaling $75,000 (£54,750) from Epstein to accounts believed to be linked to Mandelson in 2003 and 2004, when he was a Labour MP. Mandelson stated he has “no record or recollection” of these payments and believes the allegations to be false, adding that they “need investigating.”
What we have is not the first time Mandelson’s links to Epstein have drawn scrutiny. He was previously sacked as the UK’s ambassador to the United States over these connections. Documents released in September 2025 revealed Mandelson had referred to Epstein as his “best pal” in a letter included in a birthday book compiled by Epstein’s accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell. That release also included contributions from figures like Donald Trump and Bill Clinton.
The recent files also shed light on potential influence peddling. Emails between Mandelson and Epstein show the former advised Epstein on how JP Morgan might lobby the government regarding a proposed tax on bankers’ bonuses in December 2009. Mandelson reportedly suggested the head of the investment bank “mildly threaten” the then-Chancellor, Alistair Darling.
Mandelson has previously stated that his conversations with government officials reflected the views of the financial sector as a whole and not the influence of a single individual. However, the newly released documents have intensified calls for scrutiny.
Prior to his resignation, Mandelson had apologized for his association with Epstein, stating he had initially been wrong to believe him following his 2008 conviction for soliciting a child for prostitution. He added that he wished to “apologize unequivocally to the women and girls who suffered.”
The timeline of their relationship extends back years. Records show Mandelson stayed in Epstein’s New York apartment while the financier was serving a prison sentence. A briefing delivered to Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding the reputational risk of appointing Mandelson as ambassador referenced official records showing he had facilitated a meeting between Epstein and Tony Blair in 2002.
In November 2025, further documents revealed that Mandelson and Epstein remained in contact until at least 2016. An email exchange showed Epstein congratulating Mandelson on his 63rd birthday, to which Mandelson replied, stating his intention to spend more time in the US.
Mandelson’s decision to resign from the Labour Party was announced in a letter to the party’s general secretary, Hollie Ridley. He expressed regret for being linked to the “furore surrounding” Epstein and stated his belief that stepping down was in the best interests of the Labour Party.
