Lobbying Firm CEO Steps Down Amid Epstein Scandal Fallout
Ben Wegg-Prosser, the chief executive of the influential lobbying firm Global Counsel, has resigned following revelations from the Jeffrey Epstein files that exposed the convicted child sex offender's involvement in the company's founding. Wegg-Prosser, who co-founded the firm with former Labour minister Peter Mandelson in 2010, stepped down on Friday as emails detailed how Epstein was consulted during the setup phase.
Internal Crisis and Client Departures
The release of the Epstein documents in the United States has plunged Global Counsel into a severe crisis, with the firm scrambling to mitigate reputational damage. One major client, Barclays, has already severed ties with the lobbying group, which has maintained close connections to the Labour Party and represented controversial clients like the tech firm Palantir.
In a communication to clients on Friday, Global Counsel announced that an agreement had been reached for the divestment of Mandelson's shares in the company, with the transaction expected to be completed later that day pending approvals. Archie Norman, the chair of Global Counsel, stated that this move would end any association between the firm and Mandelson, who had retained a 21% stake despite leaving the board two years ago.
Email Evidence and Founding Involvement
Emails from 2010 and 2011 reveal that Mandelson actively sought Epstein's advice on establishing Global Counsel, including assistance with client acquisition. In one correspondence, Mandelson informed Epstein that Wegg-Prosser would travel to New York to discuss the business plan, highlighting the financier's role in the launch process. Wegg-Prosser himself emailed Epstein a draft statement intended to downplay Mandelson's relationship with the convicted sex offender, which described their connection as minimal despite later evidence suggesting a closer tie.
Sources close to Wegg-Prosser claim he met Epstein only once for approximately 25 minutes at Mandelson's suggestion, describing the encounter as inconsequential. However, the emails indicate ongoing communication during the firm's formative stages, with Mandelson sharing an Excel spreadsheet of potential clients with Epstein.
Leadership Changes and Political Repercussions
Following Wegg-Prosser's departure, Rebecca Park has been listed as the new chief executive on Global Counsel's website. Park, who joined the company in 2021 after serving as managing director of UK Finance, is reportedly set to acquire Mandelson's stake. Company filings show Wegg-Prosser held 29% of the shares as of October 2025.
The scandal has intensified scrutiny on Labour's ties to business interests, with Global Counsel known for hosting events at the party's annual conference. Labour backbencher Clive Lewis warned that the controversy could benefit authoritarian factions by highlighting the party's shift toward capital interests. Wegg-Prosser, previously considered for an investment minister role in Keir Starmer's government, declined the position due to financial reasons last year.
A spokesperson for Global Counsel reiterated that Epstein never played any role in the firm's establishment or ongoing operations, despite the email evidence to the contrary. The firm emphasized its focus on delivering independent advice to clients amidst the unfolding crisis.
