Ben Wegg-Prosser has resigned as chief executive of Global Counsel, the lobbying firm he co-founded with Peter Mandelson, following revelations from the Jeffrey Epstein files. The former No 10 aide stepped down on Friday after emails showed the extent of Epstein’s involvement in setting up the company in 2010.
The departure was communicated to clients as the firm sought to limit damage from the scandal. One major client, Barclays, had already cut ties. Global Counsel also told clients it had reached an agreement for the divestment of Mandelson’s shares, with completion subject to approvals. Archie Norman, the firm’s chair, said the transaction would end any connection between Global Counsel and Mandelson.
Emails from the period when Global Counsel was being formed show Mandelson asked Epstein for advice on setting up the company and sought his help in securing clients. In one email, Mandelson told Epstein that Wegg-Prosser would visit New York to discuss the business plan. Wegg-Prosser also directly emailed Epstein, sharing a draft statement that played down the depth of the relationship between Mandelson and Epstein.
Rebecca Park, previously managing director of UK Finance, has taken over as chief executive. Company filings show Mandelson held 21% of shares and Wegg-Prosser 29% as of October 2025. Park is expected to acquire Mandelson’s stake. The hedge fund Rokos Capital Management also terminated talks with Mandelson over an advisory role.
