MPs Condemn Jess Phillips' Silence on Mandelson-Epstein Links
Conservative MPs have issued a stark warning that safeguarding minister Jess Phillips' ongoing silence regarding the scandal surrounding Peter Mandelson's relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein is 'seriously concerning'. In a strongly-worded letter, Tory parliamentarians Mims Davies, Alicia Kearns, and Katie Lam highlighted what they describe as a 'pattern of behaviour at the top of Government' that refuses to acknowledge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's controversial appointment of Mandelson as ambassador to the United States.
'Insult to Those She Represents'
The parliamentarians specifically criticised Phillips for failing to address Mandelson being appointed despite being known as the 'best pal' of one of history's most notorious paedophiles. Shadow Home Office Minister Katie Lam told the Daily Mail that Phillips' 'silence is an insult to those she is meant to represent' and challenged her to 'come out of hiding and start standing up for victims'.
The controversy intensified after Prime Minister Starmer admitted in the House of Commons that he had known about Mandelson's continued friendship with Epstein after the financier's conviction when making the diplomatic appointment. Starmer claimed Mandelson had 'lied' throughout the formal vetting process, presenting Epstein as someone he barely knew.
Revelations from Epstein Files
Embarrassing revelations have emerged from the Epstein files, including:
- Photographs showing Mandelson in his underwear at Epstein's home
- Images appearing to show him receiving a foot massage from a woman
- Evidence of Mandelson staying at Epstein's townhouse in 2009 while the financier was imprisoned
- Reports of Mandelson attending intimate gatherings at Epstein's Manhattan residence from 2002 onwards
- Photos of the pair celebrating a birthday at Epstein's Paris apartment in 2007
A two-page Cabinet Office propriety and ethics report compiled for Sir Keir before he appointed Mandelson revealed the peer had maintained contact with Epstein long after his conviction for soliciting underage sex in 2008.
Email Evidence and Financial Links
MPs across Parliament were stunned after emails from the Epstein files, released by the US Department of Justice, appeared to show Mandelson sharing market-sensitive and confidential government information with the convicted paedophile. One explosive email seemingly showed the pair discussing confidential negotiations over a £10 billion Ministry of Defence contract while Mandelson served as business secretary.
Other exchanges suggested Mandelson had received tens of thousands of pounds from Epstein, while his partner also received funding toward a training course. Mandelson has claimed to have no recollection of receiving such sums.
Second Paedophile Scandal Emerges
The Conservative MPs' letter also highlighted what they see as an emerging pattern, noting that the Prime Minister chose to ignore Matthew Doyle's connection to convicted paedophile Sean Morton when nominating him for a peerage. Lord Doyle has since apologised for campaigning for Morton in 2017 and has resigned the Labour whip.
The MPs wrote: 'There are serious questions surrounding the Prime Minister's decision to overlook reports that Peter Mandelson continued his relationship with Epstein long after he was known to be a paedophile, and many victims will be looking to you for reassurance that their voices are being heard.'
Calls for Accountability and Clarity
The three Conservative parliamentarians demanded urgent clarity on whether 'the Prime Minister still retains your full support as his Safeguarding Minister'. They emphasised that Epstein's appalling crimes included the abuse of women and girls as young as 14, with many victims reportedly being British.
Noting that Epstein took almost 90 flights to or from the UK while the abuse was ongoing, the MPs challenged Phillips to explain what steps she is taking to represent and support Epstein's victims, clarify her position on Matthew Doyle's appointment to the House of Lords, and detail how she is using her government position to ensure accountability and justice.
Mandelson was ultimately sacked as Britain's ambassador to Washington in September last year after Downing Street said new information about the depth of his relationship with Epstein had emerged. The Metropolitan Police are currently investigating the claims, with searches conducted on two of Mandelson's properties last week.
A spokesman for Mandelson previously stated: 'Lord Mandelson regrets, and will regret until his dying day, that he believed Epstein's lies about his criminality. Lord Mandelson did not discover the truth about Epstein until after his death in 2019. He is profoundly sorry that powerless and vulnerable women and girls were not given the protection they deserved.'
Jess Phillips has been contacted for comment regarding the Conservative MPs' allegations and the growing scandal surrounding government appointments connected to convicted paedophiles.
