New emails released by the US House oversight committee have revealed that Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to Washington, remained in contact with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein as late as 2016. Mandelson was sacked in September after earlier leaked emails showed he had urged Epstein to 'fight for early release' in 2008.
The newly released documents include an email from Epstein to Mandelson on 6 November 2016, referencing Mandelson's birthday two weeks earlier. Mandelson replied within 30 minutes, and the exchange continued with mentions of Donald Trump, who had just been elected president, and Mandelson's husband.
Mandelson's association with Epstein has been a source of controversy, particularly after his appointment as ambassador. He had previously expressed regret over his ties to Epstein, but these emails show the relationship persisted longer than previously known. The controversy led to bipartisan criticism and Mandelson's dismissal in September.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced scrutiny for appointing Mandelson despite warnings about his past. The foreign office minister stated Mandelson had not disclosed the full extent of his friendship with Epstein. MPs have demanded the release of cabinet office reports detailing the risks considered before the appointment.
