Lord Peter Mandelson remained in contact with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein as late as 2016, newly released emails reveal. The disclosure extends the known timeline of their relationship by six years and directly contradicts previous public statements. Prime Minister Keir Starmer had already sacked Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to Washington in September following earlier revelations about his Epstein ties.
The US House Oversight Committee published emails Wednesday showing Epstein congratulated Mandelson on his 63rd birthday in November 2016. Mandelson replied less than 30 minutes later: "Just. I have decided to extend my life by spending more of it in the US." Epstein responded: "in the Donald White House," referencing the upcoming presidential election two days later.
Strategic discussions about Prince Andrew
The exchanges also reveal strategic discussions about Prince Andrew. Epstein wrote to Mandelson: "you were right about staying away from Andrew." Mandelson agreed: "Yes, without Andrew it would not have gone nuclear." The emails demonstrate Mandelson maintained close enough ties with Epstein to offer counsel on avoiding the scandal surrounding Andrew's friendship with the financier.
Government response
The UK Government stated the newly emerged emails showed "the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment." Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty informed MPs that Mandelson had not disclosed the full extent of his friendship with Epstein during vetting. Mandelson declined to comment on the new developments.
Earlier contacts
Earlier leaked emails suggested contact between the two ended in 2010. Those messages showed Mandelson urged Epstein to "fight for early release" shortly before the financier began his sentence in June 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Starmer appointed Mandelson to the Washington post earlier this year despite warnings, including a Cabinet Office report containing "a summary of reputational risks" and reference to his "prior relationship with Jeffrey Epstein." The Prime Minister sacked Mandelson just one day after expressing confidence in him during Prime Minister's Questions in September.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
