Peter Mandelson, Britain’s ambassador to the United States, is under fresh scrutiny over his past ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.Documents and photographs recently released show Mandelson’s apparent contribution to a 50th birthday photo book for Epstein, compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell, in which he describes the financier as his “best pal” and references entertaining Epstein’s “interesting” friends.
Who is Peter Mendelson?
Mandelson was born into Labour politics as the grandson of former Labour home and foreign secretary Herbert Morrison. He first entered politics in 1979, when he was elected to Lambeth Borough Council, stepping down three years later. After a stint in television, Mandelson was appointed by former Labour leader Neil Kinnock as the party’s director of communications, establishing his reputation as a political fixer, reported Independent.He won the safe seat of Hartlepool in the 1992 general election and played a key role in the Blair-Brown leadership feud, backing Tony Blair for party leadership.Mandelson directed Labour’s 1997 general election campaign and held ministerial roles in trade and industry. In 2004, he became Britain’s European Commissioner for Trade.In 2008, Mandelson returned to UK politics as business secretary, later receiving a peerage. He was appointed UK ambassador to the United States, becoming the first political appointee in nearly 50 years.
Ties to Jeffrey Epstein
Several pages of the book feature photographs of Mandelson, then a Labour MP, alongside a lengthy note written in the style of a poem. Mandelson’s connection to Epstein has drawn significant attention in recent years. Reports indicate that the financier referred to Mandelson as “Petie,” and images show the two together, including a visit to Epstein’s New York home in June 2009, when Mandelson was still serving as business secretary. The resurfaced note, published Monday by the US oversight committee, adds to existing photographs and previous reports documenting their association. Mandelson’s contribution to the book was first reported by The Wall Street Journal in July.
Mandelson responds to criticism
A spokesperson told the BBC on Monday, “Lord Mandelson has long been clear that he very much regrets ever having been introduced to Epstein.”In the months before the latest revelations, Mandelson reacted strongly when pressed about his ties to Epstein. He said, as quoted by the Independent, “I regret ever meeting him or being introduced to him by his partner, Ghislaine Maxwell. I regret even more the hurt he caused to many young women.”He added, “I’m not going to go into this. It’s an… obsession and frankly you can all f** off. OK?”*
