Starmer Calls for Mandelson's Removal from Lords Over Epstein Links
Sir Keir Starmer has intensified pressure on Lord Mandelson, urging him to resign from the House of Lords following revelations about his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Prime Minister has stated that Mandelson should not retain his peerage or title, though he lacks the direct authority to strip him of it.
Documents Reveal Sensitive Government Leaks
Recently released documents from the US Department of Justice indicate that Epstein received internal discussions from the heart of the UK government. These communications occurred during Lord Mandelson's tenure as Business Secretary under Gordon Brown's administration, particularly in the aftermath of the global financial crisis.
The leaked emails suggest Mandelson was involved in passing confidential information to Epstein, including details about government policies and sensitive economic matters. One email from December 2009 shows Mandelson apparently lobbying to amend a tax on bankers' bonuses, with encouragement from Epstein.
Cabinet Secretary Launches Urgent Review
In response to these allegations, Sir Keir Starmer has tasked Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald with conducting an urgent review into all available information regarding Mandelson's contacts with Epstein during his time as a government minister. This review aims to uncover the full extent of the information shared and any potential breaches of ministerial conduct.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has also called for a thorough investigation into the disclosure of confidential and market-sensitive information during the financial crisis. Brown emphasised the need for a wider enquiry to address these serious allegations.
Calls for Police Investigation and Political Fallout
The Liberal Democrats have demanded a police investigation into Lord Mandelson for potential misconduct in public office. Party leader Sir Ed Davey described the allegations as incredibly serious, noting that they suggest Mandelson leaked sensitive government information to a convicted sex offender.
Cabinet minister Bridget Phillipson echoed these concerns, stating that the situation is as serious as it gets and does not reflect the conduct expected of a government minister. She added that any evidence of criminality should be pursued rigorously.
Mandelson's Response and Current Status
Lord Mandelson, who is currently on a leave of absence from the House of Lords, has resigned his Labour membership amid a disciplinary process. In his resignation letter, he addressed allegations of financial payments from Epstein, which he claims are false and without record or recollection.
He also apologised to the women and girls affected by Epstein's crimes, acknowledging that their voices should have been heard sooner. Mandelson was previously sacked as the ambassador to Washington last year after details emerged of his continued contact with Epstein following the financier's guilty plea in 2008.
Historical Context and Procedural Challenges
Removing a peerage under current arrangements would require new legislation, a step not taken in over a century. The last instance occurred during the First World War to address nobility who sided with Germany. There is no precedent for using a new law to remove a specific individual from the Lords.
Sir Keir Starmer has urged the House of Lords to collaborate with the government to modernise disciplinary procedures, making it easier to remove disgraced peers in the future.
Detailed Email Exchanges Revealed
The released emails provide a detailed account of the exchanges between Mandelson and Epstein. In one instance, an email from Epstein dated December 15, 2009, questions the possibility of limiting a tax to the cash portion of bankers' bonuses. Mandelson's apparent reply indicates he was trying hard to amend the policy, despite Treasury resistance.
Further emails show Mandelson encouraging JP Morgan's CEO Jamie Dimon to contact then-Chancellor Alistair Darling and mildly threaten him regarding the tax. Additional leaks include an analysis of business lending from government minister Baroness Vadera and discussions about asset sales plans, all forwarded to Epstein.
On May 9, 2010, Epstein emailed Mandelson about a 500 billion euro bailout, with a reply suggesting it would be announced that night. The rescue package was indeed agreed by Brussels in the early hours of May 10.
Financial Transactions and Personal Links
Bank statements from 2003 and 2004 appear to show Lord Mandelson receiving payments totalling 75,000 US dollars from Epstein. Additionally, Epstein is said to have funded an osteopathy course for Mandelson's husband in 2009, further intertwining their personal and professional relationships.
The Metropolitan Police have been contacted regarding these allegations, and the situation continues to develop as more information comes to light.
