Newly released emails from the US justice department have exposed the extent of Peter Mandelson's relationship with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, revealing intimate and professional ties that may end his political career. The emails show Mandelson, a former Labour cabinet minister and EU trade commissioner, sought Epstein's advice on personal matters, including a partner's access to his texts and a £4m loan for a house purchase.
In one exchange from May 2010, Epstein asked Mandelson about the UK general election result. Mandelson replied: 'We are praying for a hung parliament. Alternatively, a well hung young man.' The emails also suggest Mandelson leaked a sensitive Whitehall document to Epstein in June 2009, detailing the government's tax plans and asset sales, with the comment: 'Interesting note that's gone to the PM.'
Further emails indicate Mandelson received three payments of $25,000 each from Epstein in 2003-04, which he says he does not recall. His partner, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, also received thousands of pounds in 2009-10. Mandelson has resigned from the Labour party, and Sir Keir Starmer has called for an inquiry into his conduct as a minister.
The revelations have cost Mandelson his role as US ambassador, a position he was withdrawn from earlier this year. The emails paint a picture of a man who was deeply embedded in Epstein's world, despite Mandelson's recent claim that he was 'at the edge of this man's life'. The scandal appears to be one the veteran politician cannot outrun.
