New emails released by the US House oversight committee show that Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to Washington, was in contact with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein until at least 2016. The revelation contradicts earlier claims that their association ended in 2010.
The emails include an exchange on 6 November 2016, where Epstein wrote to Mandelson: “63 years old. You made it,” referring to Mandelson’s birthday two weeks earlier. Mandelson replied within 30 minutes, saying: “Just. I have decided to extend my life by spending more of it in the US.” Epstein responded: “In the Donald white house,” referencing Donald Trump’s election two days prior.
Mandelson was sacked as ambassador in September after earlier leaked emails showed he had urged Epstein to “fight for early release” in 2008. The new emails reveal the pair maintained contact for years after that, including discussions about staying away from Prince Andrew and Mandelson’s husband Reinaldo Avila da Silva.
In September, Mandelson expressed regret over his association with Epstein, but the latest emails suggest the relationship lasted longer than previously admitted. The revelations have renewed scrutiny on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to appoint Mandelson despite warnings about his ties to Epstein.
