Former UK Ambassador Maintained Epstein Contact Until 2016
Fresh email evidence has revealed that Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to Washington, continued his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein until at least 2016 - six years later than previously known.
The disclosure comes from documents released by Democrats on the House oversight committee, which is conducting an inquiry into the US government's handling of the Epstein case.
Birthday Message Reveals Ongoing Relationship
The newly uncovered correspondence includes an email sent from Epstein to Mandelson on 6 November 2016 that stated: "63 years old. You made it," appearing to reference Mandelson's birthday from two weeks earlier.
Mandelson responded within less than 30 minutes, writing: "Just. I have decided to extend my life by spending more of it in the US."
Epstein's reply referenced the upcoming presidential election, stating: "In the Donald white house," in what would prove to be an accurate prediction of Donald Trump's victory two days later.
When Mandelson asked "What's the Donald white house? And how are you?", Epstein responded with what appears to be personal advice about Mandelson's relationship with his now-husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva.
Previous Scandal and Sacking
Mandelson was dismissed from his ambassadorial position in September 2024 after earlier leaked emails showed he had urged Epstein to "fight for early release" in 2008 while the financier faced charges of soliciting sex from minors.
At that time, it was believed the pair's contact had ceased around 2010, but these new documents prove their communication continued for several more years.
Following his dismissal, Mandelson wrote to staff at the British embassy in Washington expressing that he continued "to feel utterly awful about my association with Epstein 20 years ago and the plight of his victims."
Political Fallout for Starmer Government
The revelation has intensified scrutiny of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's decision to appoint Mandelson despite known associations with Epstein.
Stephen Doughty, the UK foreign office minister, told MPs in September that Mandelson had not disclosed "the extent and depth of his friendship with Epstein" during the appointment process.
Critically, it has emerged that Starmer received a cabinet office report containing "a summary of reputational risks" associated with appointing Mandelson, including his "prior relationship with Jeffrey Epstein" and past resignations as a Labour minister.
MPs are now pressing the cabinet office to release the information available to Starmer when he told the House of Commons he maintained confidence in Mandelson, just one day before the ambassador's sacking.
The ongoing scandal represents a significant challenge for the Labour government, raising questions about vetting procedures and judgment in high-level diplomatic appointments.
