Blair Maintains Silence as Mandelson Faces Epstein Fallout and Police Probe
Amid the intense scrutiny surrounding Peter Mandelson's connections to the Epstein Files and the subsequent fallout, one prominent figure has notably avoided public comment. Sir Tony Blair has yet to address the extraordinary circumstances involving his former political strategist, who now finds himself at the centre of a major controversy.
Mandelson's Resignation and Police Investigation
Lord Mandelson, who served as a minister under both Sir Tony Blair and his successor Gordon Brown, has resigned from the House of Lords. He is currently facing a Metropolitan Police investigation for alleged misconduct in public office, adding a serious legal dimension to the scandal.
Documents released by the US Department of Justice appear to reveal that internal government information regarding the response to the 2009 global financial crisis was transmitted to Jeffrey Epstein. Furthermore, the files suggest that Lord Mandelson discussed efforts with Blair to persuade Gordon Brown to step down as Prime Minister in 2009, a full year before Brown led the Labour Party to electoral defeat after twelve years in power.
Secret Scheming and Political Maneuvering
Despite being brought back into government by Mr Brown as Business Secretary in 2008 and effectively appointed deputy Prime Minister the following year to bolster his leadership, Lord Mandelson seemingly spent considerable time covertly conspiring with Epstein to oust the premier. One particularly revealing message from Epstein in November 2009 inquired, 'what does tony (sic) say' about Brown's future. Mandelson, then First Secretary of State, responded: 'Talking to him tonight but he has said I sd facilitate not initiate.'
The disgraced financier, a convicted paedophile, even made a crude joke suggesting Mandelson—who is gay—should marry Princess Anne and then divorce her, which would technically dissolve his Lordship status. Epstein also floated the idea of a joint leadership bid with David Miliband, another prominent Blairite and close ally of the Prime Minister at the time.
Election Campaign and Brown's Downfall
In the lead-up to the 2010 general election, Lord Mandelson apparently confided in Epstein that his objective was to demonstrate Mr Brown had 'f***ed up' his attempts to run a 'reasonable' campaign. The peer asserted he needed to prove he was 'bigger than the lot of them.'
Lord Mandelson was shown alerting Epstein shortly before Mr Brown ultimately announced his resignation. The election resulted in a hung Parliament, and the premier had been convinced he could not form a viable government. As it became evident Mr Brown was on his way out, Epstein quipped 'bye smelly.'
Historical Meeting and Ongoing Scrutiny
Last year, documents released by the National Archives following a Freedom of Information request included a memo indicating Epstein met with Sir Tony Blair while he was Prime Minister, arranged at Lord Mandelson's insistence. The meeting was coordinated after the former ambassador to the USA emailed Jonathan Powell, then Blair's chief of staff and now national security adviser, as reported by the BBC.
In the correspondence, Lord Mandelson described the convicted paedophile Epstein as 'a friend' and noted he had 'ascertained from Jeffrey that he is flexible - he could be here any time from Tuesday onwards to fit round the diary - but would obviously need to know reasonably quickly so as to re-schedule accordingly.'
A memo dated May 14, 2002, authored by senior civil servant Matthew Rycroft, briefed Sir Tony about the 'super-rich' financial advisor ahead of their meeting that afternoon. A spokesperson for Sir Tony previously stated the former Labour leader recalled the meeting lasted 'less than 30 minutes' and occurred 'long before' Epstein's crimes were publicly known.
The Mail has approached Sir Tony for his perspective on Lord Mandelson's conduct, but he has yet to issue a response, maintaining his silence as the scandal continues to unfold.
