Mandelson resigns Labour membership amid fresh Epstein‑linked reports

Peter Mandelson

By Staff Reporter

Peter Mandelson, a veteran British politician and former EU trade commissioner, has resigned his membership of the Labour Party after media reports linked him to financial transactions associated with the late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The move follows Mandelson’s dismissal last year from his role as Britain’s ambassador to the United States after earlier revelations about his connections to Epstein.

In a letter to the Labour Party shared with the press, Mandelson said he did not wish to cause “further embarrassment” to the party while he investigates the new allegations. He denied wrongdoing and said he would look into claims reported by British outlets and based on files released by the U.S. Justice Department, that accounts connected to him received US$75,000. “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 wrote.

The resignation drew swift comment from government figures. Olivia Bailey, a minister at the Department for Education, told Times Radio that it was “right” that Mandelson was no longer a party member. The controversy has revived scrutiny of Mandelson’s long and sometimes turbulent political career, which includes high‑profile resignations in the late 1990s and early 2000s over questions of propriety and conflicts of interest. He was cleared of wrongdoing in some past inquiries but has remained a polarising figure.

Last year’s disclosures included a letter in which Mandelson reportedly referred to Epstein as “my best pal,” a phrase that contributed to his removal as envoy in Washington. The latest media reports have prompted Mandelson to promise an investigation into the alleged payments; he maintains the claims are false but said he will examine the evidence.

Mandelson’s resignation from Labour comes amid broader fallout from renewed attention on Epstein’s network and the high‑profile figures associated with him. The scandal has also prompted calls for further testimony from other public figures; Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly suggested that Prince Andrew should give evidence to a U.S. congressional committee following fresh revelations about his links to Epstein.

Mandelson remains a member of the House of Lords on leave of absence. His decision to step away from the Labour Party underscores the political sensitivity surrounding any association with Epstein and reflects a wider determination among public figures to avoid reputational damage while allegations are investigated. The coming weeks are likely to see further reporting and, potentially, formal inquiries as journalists and authorities examine the newly surfaced documents and their implications.