Peter Mandelson resigned from the House of Lords on Tuesday. Michael Forsyth, Speaker of the House of Lords, announced that Mandelson notified officials of his decision. The resignation took effect on Wednesday.
Mandelson, former UK ambassador to the United States, faced mounting pressure after new Epstein documents emerged. He quit the Labour Party on Sunday to avoid further embarrassment.
Allegations of Misconduct
Authorities released over three million pages of Epstein-related files. These documents showed emails from Mandelson to Jeffrey Epstein in 2009. Mandelson shared internal government reports on the 2008 financial crisis while serving as business secretary.
Additionally the files revealed advance notice of a 500 billion euro EU bailout in 2010. Police launched an investigation into misconduct in public office. The Cabinet Office referred material to the Metropolitan Police after reviewing the documents.
Financial Ties Uncovered
Bank records indicated Epstein sent $75,000 to accounts linked to Mandelson or his partner Reinaldo Avila da Silva in 2003-2004. Mandelson stated he did not remember receiving the money and planned to investigate the documents’ authenticity.
Epstein also transferred 10,000 pounds to da Silva in 2009 for an osteopathy course. Mandelson told The Times of London that “in retrospect, it was clearly a lapse in our collective judgment for Reinaldo to accept this offer.” Da Silva never completed the course or registered as an osteopath.
Political Fallout
Keir Starmer, Prime Minister, told his Cabinet he felt appalled by the revelations. He expressed concern that more details might emerge. Starmer ordered an urgent review of Mandelson’s Epstein contacts during his government tenure.
Starmer’s spokesman Tom Wells confirmed the government sent police an assessment of likely market sensitive information in the documents. Wes Streeting, Health Secretary, described Mandelson’s friendship with Epstein as “a betrayal on so many levels.” He added that it betrayed Epstein’s victims and two prime ministers, Gordon Brown and Starmer.
Personal Statements
Mandelson reiterated his regret for knowing Epstein. He called the relationship a “most terrible mistake” in a BBC interview. However he maintained that he did not act criminally or for personal gain.
Meanwhile Gordon Brown, former Prime Minister, labeled Mandelson’s correspondence with Epstein as “an inexcusable and unpatriotic act.” Brown shared related correspondence with police.
Government prepared legislation to strip Mandelson of his peerage. Conservatives planned a vote to publish more on his vetting process.
Mandelson continued his association with Epstein after the financier’s 2008 conviction for sex offenses. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial.
