Scottish Labour Leader Supports Mandelson's Party Departure Following Epstein Revelations
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has declared it was "right" for Lord Peter Mandelson to resign from the Labour Party following the latest disclosures about his connections with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Mr Sarwar stated that the public would be "horrified" by information contained within the newly released documents from the Epstein files, which have sparked significant political controversy.
Parliamentary Authorities Urged to Examine Lords Position
While supporting Mandelson's decision to leave Labour, Sarwar declined to comment on whether the former minister should retain his seat in the House of Lords. "I think this is a matter now for the House of Lords and for the Houses of Parliament around who they think merits being in the Parliament or not," the Scottish Labour leader explained. He noted that any decision regarding Mandelson's parliamentary status would likely require legislation rather than a simple political determination.
Sarwar emphasised that "there are still huge questions here that victims will want to see answered" regarding the Epstein revelations. He added that anyone summoned to provide evidence in ongoing United States investigations "absolutely should go" and cooperate fully with authorities.
Financial Transactions and Lobbying Allegations Surface
The controversy stems from recently disclosed documents that include a 2009 email exchange in which Lord Mandelson, then serving as Business Secretary, appeared to inform Epstein that he would lobby fellow ministers concerning a proposed tax on bankers' bonuses. Additional financial records from 2003 and 2004 indicate Mandelson received payments totalling 75,000 US dollars (approximately £54,735) from the disgraced financier.
Further revelations suggest Epstein funded an osteopathy course for Mandelson's husband, adding another layer to their complex relationship. These disclosures have prompted calls for comprehensive investigations into Mandelson's conduct during his tenure in public office.
SNP Demands Full Investigation Into Mandelson's Government Roles
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has called for an urgent inquiry into how three successive Labour prime ministers appointed Mandelson to high-ranking positions despite his known association with Epstein. In a letter to the Prime Minister's ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, Flynn argued that "the constant drip, drip of revelations and allegations regarding Peter Mandelson" represents a "sickening stain" on his time in office and compounds the suffering of Epstein's victims.
Flynn insisted any investigation must examine all contact between Mandelson and Epstein, as well as current Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's awareness of allegations concerning Mandelson. "The only way to stop that slow drip, drip of allegations is to immediately launch a full and swift inquiry," the SNP MP asserted.
Mandelson's Resignation and Ongoing Political Fallout
Lord Mandelson submitted his resignation from Labour membership on Sunday, stating he wished to avoid causing "further embarrassment" to the party following the Epstein document disclosures. The former ambassador to the United States, who was stripped of that diplomatic role due to his Epstein connections, features prominently in files released by the US Department of Justice last Friday.
Sarwar maintained that since Mandelson "is not a member of the Government, he's not a member of the Labour Party, he's no longer an ambassador," parliamentary authorities should address any remaining unanswered questions. He added that investigators should have full access to obtain necessary answers regarding the Epstein-Mandelson relationship.
Downing Street has been approached for comment regarding calls for an official investigation into Mandelson's appointments under previous Labour administrations. The unfolding scandal continues to raise significant questions about political accountability and the vetting processes for high-level government positions.
