Labour grandee Peter Mandelson has been stripped of a prestigious honorary position at London's publicly-funded Design Museum, following ongoing controversy over his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Fallout Continues
Lord Mandelson's removal as Trustee Emeritus marks the latest consequence of his association with the disgraced financier. The former minister, who was dramatically withdrawn from his role as US ambassador by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in September, has seen his public standing severely damaged.
Until this week, Mandelson remained listed in the "Trustee Emeriti" section on the Design Museum's website, which praised his "distinguished track record." However, the museum swiftly removed his profile following media enquiries about his ongoing connection to the institution.
Revealing Correspondence
Newly disclosed emails show that Mandelson maintained contact with Epstein until as recently as 2016, long after the financier's conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution. The correspondence, released among thousands of documents from Epstein's estate by the US House Oversight Committee, reveals concerning details about their relationship.
In one exchange from November 2016, Epstein emails Mandelson saying "63 years old. You made it," apparently referencing the peer's recent birthday. The messages also suggest Mandelson advised Epstein to distance himself from Prince Andrew, with Epstein acknowledging "you were right about staying away from Andrew."
Mandelson's response - "Yes, without Andrew it would not have gone nuclear" - indicates his awareness of the potential scandal surrounding the Duke of York's association with Epstein.
Institutional Responses
A Design Museum spokesperson confirmed that Mandelson no longer holds any formal position at the institution, clarifying that the decision to remove his honorary title was made by the museum itself. The spokesperson emphasised that the "Trustee Emeriti" role was purely honorary and carried no operational responsibilities.
This development follows Manchester Metropolitan University earlier stripping Mandelson of honours, while he has also resigned as a fellow of an Oxford college. The cumulative effect represents a significant erosion of the former New Labour architect's institutional standing.
The Design Museum, which received £1.3 million from the Arts and Humanities Research Council in 2023-24, continues its cultural programming with exhibitions including one focusing on the legendary Blitz club night and another showcasing director Wes Anderson's work opening later this month.
Mandelson, who served as Chairman of the Design Museum from 2017 to 2023 after his appointment in December 2016, has previously expressed regret over his relationship with Epstein. He was contacted for comment regarding his removal from the honorary position.
