Peter Mandelson, a former UK Cabinet minister and ambassador, is currently facing a criminal investigation by London's Metropolitan Police for alleged misconduct in public office concerning his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
This development follows new revelations from US Justice Department documents detailing Mandelson's ties to Epstein, including alleged payments and the sharing of market-sensitive information. The controversy has led to Mandelson's resignation from the House of Lords and the Labour Party, and has triggered significant political pressure on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney, has resigned, leading to calls for Starmer's own departure.
Peter Mandelson: Allegations, Investigations, and Resignations
Peter Mandelson, a prominent figure in the British Labour Party and former UK Ambassador to the United States, is under a criminal investigation by London's Metropolitan Police. Detectives are reviewing reports of misconduct in public office, a charge that can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, focusing on his association with Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex abuse charges. Properties linked to Mandelson have been searched as part of this complex investigation.
Mandelson was appointed as British ambassador to the US in 2024. He was dismissed from this role in September, a decision that followed revelations of a closer relationship with Epstein than previously acknowledged. The UK government commented at the time that the extent of his ties appeared "materially different" from what was understood during his appointment.
Key Revelations from Epstein Files:
Newly released documents from the US Justice Department, comprising millions of pages, have brought forth detailed information regarding Mandelson's connections to Epstein:
- Payments: Bank records suggest Epstein sent three payments totaling $75,000 to accounts linked to Mandelson or his partner, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, between 2003 and 2004. In 2009, Epstein also reportedly sent £10,000 (approximately $13,650) to Avila da Silva to cover an osteopathy course. Mandelson has stated he does not recall receiving the money, questioned the authenticity of the documents, and acknowledged the payment for the osteopathy course as a "lapse in our collective judgment."
- Correspondence: Emails from Mandelson to Epstein included referring to Epstein as 'my best pal' and offering strategic advice for seeking early jail release after Epstein's 2008 conviction. Other messages from 2009 showed Mandelson expressing support for Epstein.
- Information Sharing: Allegations include Mandelson, while serving as Business Secretary in 2009-2010, appearing to:
- Communicate his intention to lobby government members regarding a reduction in a tax on bankers' bonuses.
- Share an internal government report discussing methods for the UK to raise funds post-2008 financial crisis, including potential sales of government assets.
- Forward an economic briefing to Epstein, originally intended for then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
- Message Epstein about a "500 b euro bailout" hours before European governments publicly announced a 500 billion euro deal.
- Support a campaign to undermine the Rudd Labor government's proposed mining super profits tax in Australia, sharing private analysis with Epstein in June 2010 and advising on strategies to pressure the Australian government.
- Photographs: An undated photograph reportedly shows Mandelson, wearing a T-shirt and underwear, beside a woman whose face was redacted by US authorities. Other images show Mandelson with Epstein.
Mandelson's Response and Resignations:
Mandelson has issued an apology to Epstein's victims for "a system that refused to hear their voices," but stated he would not apologize for his personal ties unless he had been aware of Epstein's actions or had been complicit. He asserted, "I was not culpable, I was not knowledgeable of what he was doing," and stated he believed Epstein's claims of being "falsely criminalised."
In response to the mounting pressure and revelations, Peter Mandelson announced his resignation from the House of Lords, effective Wednesday, and resigned from the Labour Party on Sunday, citing a desire to avoid causing further embarrassment to the party.
Political Ramifications for Prime Minister Starmer
The controversy surrounding Peter Mandelson has created significant political challenges for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who appointed Mandelson as British ambassador to the US.
Starmer's Actions and Statements:
- Dismissal and Inquiry: Starmer removed Mandelson from his ambassadorial role in September following earlier disclosures. He subsequently initiated an urgent inquiry into Mandelson's connections with Epstein, led by Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald, to examine all available information regarding Mandelson's contacts during his tenure as a government minister.
- Public Statements: Prime Minister Starmer has expressed concern over the revelations, indicating that the government had forwarded its assessment to the police, highlighting that documents contained "likely market-sensitive information." He has publicly stated that Mandelson's actions were "disgraceful," that he "let his country down," and that he believes Mandelson should not be a member of the House of Lords.
- Apology and Accountability: Starmer has apologized to Epstein's victims, stating he was misled by Mandelson regarding the extent of his relationship with Epstein and regretting the appointment. He affirmed that if he had known then what he knows now, he would not have made the appointment, alleging Mandelson lied during the vetting process. The government has pledged to release its own emails and documentation, stating these will demonstrate that Mandelson misled officials.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has written to the Cabinet Secretary requesting an inquiry into "the wholly unacceptable disclosure of government papers and information" during his time in office and has provided information to the police.
Impact on Starmer's Government and Leadership
The Mandelson controversy has led to high-profile resignations within Starmer's government and increased scrutiny of his leadership.
Key Resignations:
- Morgan McSweeney: Starmer's Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned on Sunday. He took full responsibility for advising Starmer to appoint Mandelson, stating the decision was "wrong" and "has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself." McSweeney had been credited as a primary architect of Labour's 2024 general election victory.
Morgan McSweeney took full responsibility for advising Starmer to appoint Mandelson, stating the decision was "wrong" and "has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself."
- Tim Allan: Following McSweeney's departure, Tim Allan, Starmer's Director of Communications, also resigned from Downing Street.
Calls for Starmer's Resignation:
The Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, publicly called for Prime Minister Starmer's resignation, stating that the situation risked undermining Labour's prospects in upcoming Scottish elections. Some Labour Members of Parliament and opposition figures have also questioned Starmer's judgment, with a recent YouGov poll indicating that 50 percent of voters desire his resignation.
Support for Starmer:
Despite the pressure, Prime Minister Starmer has affirmed his intention to remain in office, citing a "clear five-year mandate." Deputy British Prime Minister David Lammy and several other cabinet members, including Liz Kendall, Rachel Reeves, Steve Reed, and Darren Jones, have issued public statements supporting Starmer's leadership.
Future Outlook:
Starmer's current position is influenced by the absence of a clear successor within the Labour Party. Police have requested the government to withhold certain Mandelson-related documents to avoid prejudicing their ongoing investigation. The political landscape will be further tested by upcoming parliamentary by-elections and local elections in May across Scotland, Wales, and English councils, which are viewed as potential indicators of public sentiment.