Newly published government files have revealed that Peter Mandelson actively pushed for Sir Tony Blair to meet Jeffrey Epstein in Downing Street, describing the financier as "young and vibrant" in a 2002 email. The documents, released by the Government on Wednesday, include correspondence that sheds light on the early connections between British political figures and the convicted sex offender.
Mandelson's Email to Downing Street
The tranche of documents includes an email sent by Lord Mandelson on 7 May 2002 to Jonathan Powell, who was then serving as Downing Street chief of staff. In the message, Mandelson described Epstein as "young and vibrant" and noted that he was a "travelling friend" of former US president Bill Clinton. Mandelson informed Powell that Sir Tony "would like to met him," referring to Epstein's upcoming visit to London.
This email was sent little more than a year after Mandelson had resigned from the New Labour government for a second time. The copy was published as part of an initial batch of papers relating to Mandelson's controversial appointment as Britain's ambassador to the United States last year. He was dismissed after just seven months in Washington DC following further revelations about his friendship with Epstein.
Background Information Provided to Blair
A week later, on 14 May 2002, an email to Sir Tony Blair himself advised the then-prime minister about his scheduled meeting with Epstein "at 5pm today." The email from Matthew Rycroft, who served as Sir Tony's private secretary, offered background on Epstein, describing him as "a financial adviser to the super-rich and a property developer," as well as "a friend of Bill Clinton and Peter Mandelson."
The memo, which was also sent to Powell and Geoffrey Norris, another No10 aide, noted that Epstein was "very rich" and "close to" the Duke of York, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. It detailed Epstein's substantial assets, including a $30 million home in New York, a 10,000-acre ranch in New Mexico, and a villa in Palm Beach.
Rycroft's email explained that Epstein made his money working for billionaire Leslie Wexner, who owns the lingerie firm Victoria's Secret among other ventures. It also mentioned that Epstein seemed to have met Prince Andrew through Ghislaine Maxwell, with whom he had an "on-off relationship," and that he had visited Sandringham and Windsor the previous year.
Political Fallout and Investigations
The meeting between Blair and Epstein occurred six years before Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor in June 2008. Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. The continuing scandal over Lord Mandelson's appointment by Sir Keir Starmer has rocked the Prime Minister and forced the publication of details about what he initially knew of the peer's links to Epstein.
A spokesperson for Sir Tony Blair has previously stated regarding his meeting with Epstein: "As far as he can remember, Mr Blair met with him for less than 30 minutes in Downing Street in 2002, and discussed US and UK politics. He never met or engaged with him subsequently." The spokesperson added: "This was, of course, long before his crimes were known of and his subsequent conviction."
Recent Arrests and Denials
Lord Mandelson was arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office, having been accused of passing sensitive information to Epstein during his time as business secretary. He was subsequently bailed but later released from his bail conditions, although he remains under investigation. The peer has vowed to cooperate with the police investigation and "to clear his name."
Mandelson has denied that the Epstein files show he broke any laws or acted for personal gain and has repeatedly stated that he regrets his friendship with Epstein. Meanwhile, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor became the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested after he was held in custody for approximately 11 hours on his 66th birthday last month.
He was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following claims that he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his time as the UK's trade envoy. The Duke has denied any wrongdoing over his Epstein links but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.
Bill Clinton has acknowledged being a former associate of Epstein but said he had no knowledge of his crimes. The newly released documents continue to fuel questions about the extent of relationships between high-profile figures and the disgraced financier, with political repercussions still unfolding in Westminster.
