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Peter Mandelson Resigns from Labour Party Following Epstein Controversy
Ex-Labour minister Peter Mandelson resigns amid revelations he received Epstein donations and leaked confidential UK govt briefing. PM Starmer urges reform for easier removal from House of Lords.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-02
Peter Mandelson Resigns from Labour Party Following Epstein Controversy

Former British minister and ex-U.S. ambassador Peter Mandelson has resigned from the Labour Party after newly released documents suggested he received payments from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and shared a confidential government briefing with him.

The revelations come from files released by the U.S. Justice Department, which indicate Mandelson received donations totaling $75,000 from Epstein and forwarded sensitive economic policy information from a memo addressed to then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown. An email from Mandelson to Epstein described the briefing as an “interesting note that’s gone to the PM,” prompting Epstein to reply, “What saleable assets?”

Opposition politicians have called for a police investigation into whether Mandelson breached confidentiality rules. The Metropolitan Police have not commented on whether they are considering an inquiry.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Mandelson should not remain a member of the House of Lords. However, removing him would require new legislation, as the government currently lacks the authority to oust a member. Starmer has instructed the cabinet secretary to review all available information about Mandelson’s contacts with Epstein and has called for reforms to disciplinary procedures in the Lords.

Mandelson, who played a central role in the Labour governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, previously faced political controversies, including a 1998 resignation over a loan from a fellow minister and a passport scandal in 2001, for which he was later cleared.

In a letter to the Labour Party, Mandelson expressed regret over being linked to the “understandable furore surrounding Jeffrey Epstein” but denied receiving payments and said he would investigate the matter further. He is currently on a leave of absence from the House of Lords.

Separately, Starmer has urged Britain’s former Prince Andrew to testify before a U.S. congressional committee following new revelations of his links to Epstein.

The scandal adds to growing scrutiny over the UK’s political and financial ties to Epstein, highlighting concerns about transparency and accountability among senior figures.
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UKPolitics

Mandelson

EpsteinScandal

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