London – The career of Peter Mandelson, a prominent figure in British politics, has effectively ended following revelations concerning his ties to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, prompting intense scrutiny of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s judgment and a series of government responses. The unfolding scandal has dominated parliamentary proceedings today, , with Starmer facing a barrage of questions during Prime Minister’s Questions.
Mandelson, a Labour peer, was appointed as the UK’s ambassador to the United States in 2024. The appointment was made despite existing knowledge of his relationship with Epstein, who was convicted of child sex offences in 2008. Following the emergence of further details last September, Starmer removed Mandelson from the post. However, the release of additional documents from the US Department of Justice last Friday has revealed a potentially deeper and more compromising connection between the two men.
The newly released files reportedly show that Mandelson may have leaked sensitive government information to Epstein while serving as Business Secretary in Gordon Brown’s administration during the 2008 financial crisis. One email, as reported, indicates Mandelson had “always been there” for Epstein. This has fueled accusations of a breach of trust and potential national security concerns.
‘He Lied and Lied’
The issue came to a head during today’s parliamentary session. Starmer faced fierce questioning regarding the vetting process and his awareness of the extent of Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein. He stated that during the vetting process, questions were put to Mandelson regarding his contact with Epstein, and that Mandelson “lied repeatedly” about the depth of that relationship. “If I knew then what I know now, he would never have been anywhere near government,” Starmer added.
The Prime Minister has pledged to release documents related to Mandelson’s appointment and the due diligence conducted beforehand, with the caveat that information potentially damaging to national security or UK diplomatic relations will be withheld. This decision came following a demand from the Conservative party to release the material.
Angela Rayner, a former Deputy Prime Minister, has suggested that the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) should determine which files are released and which are kept confidential, mirroring a process used in a previous case involving personal protective equipment (PPE) contracts.
Mandelson has not publicly responded to the allegations, but sources indicate he maintains his innocence, asserting he did not act criminally and was not motivated by financial gain.
Title and Council Membership to be Revoked
The government is now taking steps to strip Mandelson of his peerage and remove him from the Privy Council, the body of advisors to the monarch. Starmer confirmed that discussions with King Charles are underway to facilitate this process. Mandelson has already resigned his seat in the House of Lords and his Labour party membership in response to the escalating scandal.
The situation has prompted a criminal investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office, focusing on claims that Mandelson passed market-sensitive government information to Epstein. The investigation is ongoing.
The revelations have ignited a political firestorm, raising questions about Starmer’s judgment and the thoroughness of the vetting process for high-level appointments. The Labour leader’s forceful condemnation of Mandelson’s actions during Prime Minister’s Questions was seen as an attempt to distance himself and his government from the scandal.
The fallout from the Epstein files continues to reverberate through British politics, with potential implications for the Labour government and the broader political landscape. The release of further documents and the ongoing investigation are expected to keep the issue at the forefront of public debate in the coming weeks.
