Peter Mandelson, the former Labour heavyweight, is at the centre of fresh controversy after allegations emerged linking him to Jeffrey Epstein.
A new batch of documents released by the U.S. administration has sparked demands for a full investigation, with critics calling out Keir Starmer for being “weak” in handling the situation.
Last night, Mandelson finally resigned from the Labour Party, adding fuel to the political fire.
Emails to Epstein Raise Alarm
The documents reportedly include emails sent by Mandelson in 2009 to Epstein, a convicted paedophile financier.
In these messages, senior Downing Street aides and ministers discussed the UK’s resilience to the Credit Crunch and which government assets might be “saleable.”
Some exchanges even suggest Mandelson, who was Business Secretary at the time, advised Epstein on lobbying strategies to influence a bankers’ bonus tax.
Questionable Payments From Epstein
Bank records from 2003 and 2004 appear to show Epstein wiring Mandelson tens of thousands of dollars.
While some reports suggest he received $75,000, Mandelson maintains he has no memory of the payments and doubts the documents’ authenticity.
Nonetheless, these revelations have prompted calls for him to be stripped of his peerage, even though he is already on a leave of absence from the House of Lords and has indicated he won’t return.
Humiliation and Public Scrutiny
Adding to the scandal, a photo has surfaced showing Mandelson in his underwear, chatting with a woman in a bathrobe, seemingly in Epstein’s Paris apartment.
U.S. authorities are reportedly considering summoning him to testify about his links to Epstein.
Mandelson Steps Down With Apology
In a letter to Labour Party general secretary Hollie Ridley, Mandelson said:
“I have been further linked this weekend to the understandable furore surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and I feel regretful and sorry about this.
Allegations which I believe to be false that he made financial payments to me 20 years ago, and of which I have no record or recollection, need investigating by me.
Suggested Readings (News continues below)While doing this I do not wish to cause further embarrassment to the Labour Party and I am therefore stepping down from membership of the party.”
He also extended an apology to Epstein’s victims:
“I want to take this opportunity to repeat my apology to the women and girls whose voices should have been heard long before now.
I have dedicated my life to the values and success of the Labour Party and in taking my decision, I believe I am acting in its best interests.”
Lobbying Allegations on Bankers’ Bonus Tax
The leaked emails indicate that Mandelson may have lobbied the government to alter a “super tax” on bankers’ bonuses introduced in December 2009 by then-Chancellor Alistair Darling.
One email from Epstein asked if there was “any real chance of making the tax only on the cash portion of the bankers’ bonus.”
Mandelson allegedly replied, “Trying hard to amend… Treasury digging in but I am on case.”
Further emails suggest he encouraged JP Morgan’s Jamie Dimon to contact Darling to apply subtle pressure.
Mixed Reactions From Politicians
The resignation has sparked sharp criticism. Labour MPs have attacked Starmer for failing to act sooner.
John McDonnell said he had warned the leader about Mandelson, while Andy McDonald called for his immediate expulsion.
SNP MP Stephen Flynn described Starmer as “too weak to remove him.”
Education Minister Olivia Bailey welcomed Mandelson’s resignation but noted the legal complexity of removing a peerage.
Conservatives, including Kemi Badenoch, called for an independent investigation into Mandelson’s past appointments and the evidence surrounding his links to Epstein.
Mandelson Questions the Evidence
Mandelson has publicly challenged the authenticity of the financial documents.
He said:
“I have no record and no recollection of receiving these sums and do not know if the documents are authentic.
I can say clearly, though, I regret ever having known 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.”
A source highlighted potential errors in the documents, including the impossibility of direct U.S. dollar transfers to UK bank accounts and the suggestion that Mandelson had a U.S. Social Security number, which he does not.
The U.S. Department of Justice also cautioned that the release may include fake or misleading information.
Calls for Investigation Continue
As scrutiny intensifies, pressure is mounting for a thorough, independent inquiry into Mandelson’s past roles and his ties to Epstein.
Critics argue that Starmer’s handling of the situation reflects poorly on Labour’s judgment, while the Conservatives demand clarity on how a controversial figure ever rose to positions of significant public trust.
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