SNP Intensifies Pressure on Scottish Labour Leader Over Mandelson Ties
The Scottish National Party has issued a direct challenge to Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, demanding he disclose all private communications with Lord Peter Mandelson. This follows Lord Mandelson's resignation from the Labour Party on Sunday night, a decision he made to prevent "further embarrassment" after new revelations emerged about his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Sarwar's Initial Comments Spark SNP Challenge
Mr Sarwar had stated that people would be "horrified" by information about Lord Mandelson contained in the latest batch of files regarding Epstein. He insisted it was "right" that Lord Mandelson had left the Labour Party, though he noted that whether the peer should remain in the House of Lords was a matter for Parliament.
However, SNP Westminster deputy leader Pete Wishart swiftly responded to these comments, challenging Mr Sarwar to come clean about his own contacts with the controversial peer. "There is no need to wait for the investigation given your deep and sustained friendship with Lord Peter Mandelson," Mr Wishart declared.
Specific Demands for Full Disclosure
The SNP MP called for complete transparency, stating: "It is in the interests of the Scottish public and for the integrity of Scottish public office that you disclose all correspondence shared between yourself and Lord Peter Mandelson, including all emails and private messages."
Mr Wishart specified that this should include a "full minute" of a meeting in April 2025, after which Mr Sarwar reportedly described Lord Mandelson as an "old friend." Additionally, he demanded that information allegedly provided by Lord Mandelson to the Scottish Labour leader in October 2024 be made public.
Growing Pressure Amid Epstein Revelations
The challenge comes as documents recently released in the United States reveal troubling connections. An email exchange from 2009 shows Lord Mandelson, then serving as business secretary, appearing to tell Epstein he would lobby ministers about a tax on bankers' bonuses. Bank statements from 2003 and 2004 appear to show payments totalling 75,000 US dollars (approximately £54,735) from Epstein to Lord Mandelson.
Furthermore, Epstein is said to have paid for an osteopathy course for Lord Mandelson's husband, adding another layer to their financial relationship. These revelations have prompted Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to state that Lord Mandelson "should not be a member of the House of Lords or use the title," though Downing Street acknowledges the Prime Minister lacks the power to strip him of his peerage.
Sarwar's Position and Wider Implications
Mr Sarwar has acknowledged that "there are still huge questions here that victims will want to see answered" regarding Lord Mandelson's links to Epstein. He emphasised that anyone called to give evidence in the US "absolutely should go" and do so.
The Scottish Labour leader has also commented on the procedural aspects, noting that his understanding "is this would require legislation, rather than a simple political decision" regarding Lord Mandelson's status in the Lords. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has asked Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald to review "all available information regarding Peter Mandelson's contacts with Jeffrey Epstein during his period as a Government minister."
Mr Wishart concluded his challenge with a stark warning to Mr Sarwar: "While Lord Peter Mandelson may be your 'old friend', you should not act to protect either him, yourself or the Labour Party any longer. It is time to come clean and disclose every last detail of communication to the public."
Downing Street has been approached for further comment on the developing situation, which continues to raise significant questions about transparency and accountability in British politics.
