Lord Mandelson says Epstein friendship ‘a terrible mistake’ in first interview since sacking

Peter Mandelson has had a lengthy political career with the Labour party, marked by both significant achievements and periods of controversy. Recently, he was dismissed from his position as the UK’s ambassador to the US following revelations about his communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Early Political Career and New Labour

Mandelson began his work with the Labour Party in the 1980s and played a crucial role in Tony Blair’s election as party leader in 1994, supporting him over Gordon Brown. The three men were central to the rebranding of the Labour party as “New Labour,” which led to a landslide victory in the 1997 elections. Following the election, Mandelson was appointed as minister without portfolio and later as trade secretary.

Government Resignations and Continued Service

In 1998, Mandelson resigned from the government after receiving a secret £373,000 loan from his ministerial colleague Geoffrey Robinson. He returned to government less than a year later as Northern Ireland secretary, but resigned again in 2001 amid allegations of misconduct regarding a passport application for the Hinduja brothers. An inquiry subsequently cleared him of any wrongdoing.

European Union and Business Sectary

Mandelson continued to serve as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Hartlepool, winning re-election in 2001. Two years later, he resigned as an MP to become the European Union’s trade commissioner. He later served as business secretary under Gordon Brown’s government and was made a peer. After Labour lost power, he established an international lobbying firm.

Ambassadorial Appointment and Dismissal

In December 2024, Peter Mandelson was appointed as the UK’s ambassador to the US by Keir Starmer. However, he was removed from the position in September after emails surfaced showing he sent supportive messages to Jeffrey Epstein after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor in 2008. Mandelson has stated repeatedly that he regrets his relationship with Epstein.