Labour grandee Lord Peter Mandelson is facing renewed scrutiny over his past associations with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, as revealed in newly resurfaced documents. The revelations emerge at a sensitive time for the party, coinciding with leader Keir Starmer's controversial appointment of a former Israeli government adviser to a key security role.
The 2015 court documents, unsealed as part of a defamation case brought by Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre against Ghislaine Maxwell, detail a previously reported 2005 email from Maxwell to Epstein. In it, she mentions having "a great and amusing breakfast with Peter Mandelson" in London, adding that he "sent his best to you."
Lord Mandelson's office has maintained its longstanding position that the former Business Secretary had "no recollection" of the breakfast meeting ever taking place. A spokesperson reiterated that he had "no professional or private relationship with Jeffrey Epstein."
This historical connection resurfaced just as Sir Keir Starmer appointed Lord David Richards, a former head of the UK armed forces, as his national security adviser. The appointment has drawn particular attention due to Lord Richards' recent role as an adviser to former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
The move has prompted concern among some Labour MPs and members, who question the appropriateness of appointing someone with recent ties to the Israeli government given the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy sought to reassure colleagues, stating that Lord Richards' "experience speaks for itself" and that his role would be focused on British security interests.
These parallel developments present a complex challenge for Labour, forcing the party to address historical associations while defending current appointments that some members view as politically sensitive.
