Calls for Investigation into Lord Mandelson's Epstein Links Intensify
Prime Minister demands review as SNP and Liberal Democrats push for investigation and title stripping.
Carla Rooney
Calls for a thorough investigation into Lord Mandelson's past associations with Jeffrey Epstein have intensified, with demands for his peerage to be revoked.
This move follows the release of new documents related to Epstein's activities.
The Prime Minister has requested an urgent review of Peter Mandelson's contacts with Jeffrey Epstein, a review that follows the release of new documents related to the disgraced financier.
Beyond the review, the SNP is calling for a full investigation into Peter Mandelson's role in Labour governments.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn demands a complete inquiry into Lord Peter Mandelson’s actions.
Given the serious allegations that are still emerging regarding the extent of the relationship, political influence and financial hold the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein had over Lord Mandelson – there is an urgent need for a full and swift investigation into Peter Mandelson’s conduct in public life and, importantly, particularly in terms of your own remit, how and why he was ever appointed to high office by these Labour prime ministers.
Flynn argues that a swift inquiry is necessary to stop the slow drip of allegations, questioning how and why three Labour prime ministers repeatedly appointed Mandelson despite his relationship with Epstein.
The SNP leader also presses for an examination of Sir Keir Starmer’s knowledge of allegations about Lord Mandelson, adding pressure on the Labour leader to disclose any prior awareness.
Meanwhile, Anas Sarwar faces challenges to disclose communications with Lord Mandelson.
SNP MP Pete Wishart urges Sarwar to reveal all correspondence, including emails and private messages.
Wishart claims Lord Mandelson gave information to the Scottish Labour leader in October 2024 that should be made public, information reportedly linked to the Epstein case.
Kemi Badenoch, Tory leader, insists a full Cabinet Office investigation is needed into Mandelson's dealings with Epstein.
She believes this is crucial given the gravity of the allegations.
The constant drip, drip of revelations and allegations regarding Peter Mandelson, and the clear extent and length of his relationship with Epstein, is not alone a sickening stain on his own time in office – more importantly it undoubtedly adds to the pain of Epstein’s many victims.
Badenoch demands the Cabinet Office launch a full investigation into Mandelson’s links with Epstein, examining how Mandelson and his husband took money from Epstein while he was a Labour minister.
The Tory leader also questions why Mandelson was appointed ambassador in the first place, pointing to concerns about vetting processes for high-profile roles.
Sir Ed Davey, Lib Dem leader, urges the government to take immediate action, calling for legislation to strip Peter Mandelson of his peerage.
It’s time now for the Government to take immediate action by bringing forward legislation to strip Peter Mandelson of his peerage. It is the very least they can do for the victims and survivors of his friend Jeffrey Epstein.
Davey also advocates for a police investigation into Lord Mandelson, citing the need for accountability.
Email exchanges appear to show Lord Mandelson forwarded internal government information to Epstein, documents suggesting Epstein received internal discussions from the heart of the UK Government.
An email from 2009 reveals Lord Mandelson telling Epstein he would lobby ministers over a tax on bankers’ bonuses, indicating direct engagement on policy matters.
Bank statements from 2003 and 2004 show Lord Mandelson received payments totalling 75,000 US dollars (£54,735) from Epstein.
Epstein also paid for an osteopathy course for Lord Mandelson’s husband.
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.
Lord Mandelson was sacked as the ambassador to Washington in 2023 after revelations of his continued contact with Epstein, an action that followed earlier reports of his association.
A Conservative party spokesperson describes Lord Mandelson as completely disgraced, criticizing Keir Starmer and his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney for appointing Mandelson ambassador despite his relationship with Epstein.
The spokesperson accuses Starmer and McSweeney of refusing to act even as the mountain of evidence against Mandelson grew, condemning the Labour leadership's handling of the situation.
there are still huge questions here that victims will want to see answered
Anas Sarwar argues that anyone called to give evidence in the US should go, stating that people would be ‘horrified’ by information contained in the latest release of documents from the Epstein files.
