Peter Mandelson, the former New Labour powerhouse, finds himself back in the spotlight—but this time for all the wrong reasons.
The veteran politician is facing renewed questions about his links to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Documents recently released in the U.S. allege that Mandelson may have received $75,000 from Epstein during his time as a Member of Parliament—a claim that has reignited criticism of the peer and former Cabinet minister.
Allegations of Undeclared Payments
According to the files, Mandelson allegedly received two payments of $25,000 each in June 2004 and was listed as a beneficiary for a further $25,000 sent to his partner.
At the time, he was serving as an MP, yet there is no public record of these sums being declared.
The new allegations come alongside images reportedly showing Mandelson in his underwear at Epstein’s home, adding further embarrassment to the claims.
Mandelson Responds
Mandelson has strongly denied recollection of any payments and questioned the authenticity of the documents.
“I have no record and no recollection of receiving these sums and do not know if the documents are authentic,” he told the Daily Mail.
However, he expressed regret over his association with Epstein: “I was wrong to believe Epstein and swallow his lies following his conviction and to continue my association with him afterwards.
I deeply regret doing so and apologise unequivocally to the women and girls who suffered.”
Supporters Call for Caution
Some sources have warned that the financial statements cannot be taken at face value without verification, pointing to formatting inconsistencies and technical issues such as Mandelson not having a U.S. social security number.
They have urged confirmation from JP Morgan and cited the U.S. Department of Justice’s caveat that the release “may include fake or falsely submitted images, documents, or videos,” some containing “untrue and sensationalist claims.”
Friends and Critics Speak Out
Longtime friend and Sky News presenter Trevor Phillips did not mince words, declaring that Mandelson had been “at best, naïve and foolish, at worst greedy and duplicitous,” and suggesting his political career is effectively over.
Phillips recalled their 50-year friendship, dating back to an anti-Apartheid march, and said, “Whatever is true, as far as politics and public office are concerned, for Peter Mandelson, this is the end.”
Calls for Accountability
Communities Secretary Steve Reed addressed the issue in interviews, emphasizing the need to clarify the events before taking action: “I think it would be for Peter Mandelson to explain whether or not that money was properly declared, and if not, then he will need to account for that.”
Reed also noted that the alleged events occurred nearly 20 years ago and that he did not have the full detail of Mandelson’s activities at the time.
The Epstein Connection
Mandelson’s friendship with Epstein reportedly began in 2002 and lasted until 2011, spanning his time as a Cabinet minister under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
Flight logs show he traveled on Epstein’s private jet, dubbed the “Lolita Express,” and stayed at Epstein’s homes in New York, Palm Beach, and on his Caribbean island.
Previously published photos showed Mandelson in a bathrobe and swimming trunks at Epstein properties.
Financial Ties to Mandelson’s Partner
Newly released emails also reveal that Epstein sent £10,000 to Mandelson’s Brazilian husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, to cover an osteopathy course.
This payment occurred just two months after Epstein’s release from prison for child sex offences in 2009.
Another email referenced a woman named “Svetlana” invited to a meeting with Mandelson, whom he claims he has never met.
Political Fallout and Apologies
Mandelson has repeatedly apologized for his association with Epstein.
Last year, he stepped down as the UK’s ambassador to Washington amid the controversy, and critics have called for him to be stripped of his peerage and expelled from the Labour Party.
Mandelson maintains that he was never complicit in Epstein’s crimes and stated in a recent release: “I was wrong to believe Epstein following his conviction and to continue my association with him afterwards.
I apologise unequivocally for doing so to the women and girls who suffered. I was never culpable or complicit in his crimes.”
Next Steps and Investigations
Calls are growing for Mandelson to assist investigators in the U.S., just as they have for other figures connected to Epstein.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said Mandelson should provide “all the assistance he possibly can to any official body investigating this, whether it’s the police, the FBI, or indeed the US Congress.”
As scrutiny intensifies, Mandelson faces a pivotal moment that could define the final chapter of his political career.
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