Mandelson Emails Expose Epstein's Request for Young Assistant and Moroccan Property
Peter Mandelson was tasked with locating a young assistant and a house in Marrakesh, Morocco, for Jeffrey Epstein, according to newly-released emails published by the US Department of Justice. The correspondence, part of over three million files, reveals a December 25, 2010, message from Epstein to the former Labour peer, requesting a "multi lingaul" assistant aged 22-25 who "wants to travel" and a property in Marrakesh.
Epstein's Criminal Background and Mandelson's Response
At the time of this exchange, Epstein was a registered sex offender, having been released from a Florida prison in July 2009 after serving 13 months of an 18-month sentence for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Mandelson replied to the request, asking, "You mean instead of Sarah?" Epstein clarified, "In addition to," to which Mandelson responded, "Thank god." This email followed another conversation where Mandelson detailed his goals for his "post ministerial life" after serving as business secretary under Gordon Brown from 2008 to 2010.
Mandelson's Business Ambitions and Financial Ties
In the emails, Mandelson outlined plans for his advisory firm, Global Counsel, and his relationships with investment banks such as J.P. Morgan, HSBC, Barclays, and Lazard. He wrote to Epstein about balancing these connections, stating, "I hope I can do something with JPM... Lazard will help my own and Global Counsel's brand." He emphasized his aim to "acquire enough knowledge and networks in time to participate in real deals" and not rely solely on a salary.
Further Revelations and Investigations
Newly-released files indicate Mandelson allegedly passed market-sensitive UK government information to Epstein while serving as business secretary. In 2009, he sent a government memo about possible UK asset sales and tax changes, and in 2010, provided advance notice of a European Union 500-billion-euro bailout package. Bank statements show Epstein paid $75,000 into accounts linked to Mandelson between 2003 and 2004, payments Mandelson claims are "false." Additional emails from 2009 reveal Epstein sent £10,000 to Mandelson's now husband for an osteopathy course.
Recent Developments and Political Fallout
Last Friday, Metropolitan Police raided Mandelson's homes in north London and Wiltshire as part of an investigation into misconduct in public office. Mandelson was sacked as Britain's ambassador to Washington in September last year after Downing Street cited new information about his relationship with Epstein. Ministers face pressure to recover a £50,000 payoff given to Mandelson upon his dismissal. Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel called the payout a "disgusting betrayal of Epstein's victims," urging the government to reclaim the funds.
Mandelson's Current Status and Broader Implications
Following the revelations, Mandelson quit the Labour Party and resigned from the House of Lords, though he retains the title of "Lord" as removal requires legislation. Sir Keir Starmer faces scrutiny over his judgment in appointing Mandelson as US ambassador, with critics questioning his political future amid the growing scandal. Downing Street has refused to comment on the payoff, describing it as a "HR matter," while investigations into the relationship continue to unfold.
