Explosive leaked messages have revealed that former Labour minister Lord Mandelson was in communication with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after his heinous crimes were publicly known, The Independent can disclose.
The correspondence, obtained through a major data leak, shows Mandelson engaging with the disgraced financier, who was convicted for sex crimes involving minors in 2008 and later died in jail awaiting trial on further charges.
Timeline of Communication
The messages indicate contact occurred following Epstein's initial conviction, a period when most public figures had severed ties with the financier. This revelation places Mandelson among a small group of Western elites who maintained contact despite Epstein's criminal status.
When confronted with the evidence, Mandelson's office acknowledged the communication but described it as "limited and inconsequential".
Political Fallout
The disclosure creates significant embarrassment for the prominent Labour figure, who served as Business Secretary under Gordon Brown and was a key architect of New Labour. Opposition MPs are demanding full transparency about the nature and extent of the relationship.
This development comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of British political figures' connections to Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence.
Broader Implications
The leaked messages raise serious questions about judgment within the highest levels of British politics and the social circles maintained by powerful figures. Security experts suggest such relationships could have presented potential national security risks.
As investigations into Epstein's global network continue, further revelations about British establishment figures are anticipated.
