Peter Mandelson has resigned his membership of the Labour Party, saying he wants to avoid causing the party “further embarrassment” after renewed scrutiny of his past relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The move comes after newly released US justice department documents reignited controversy over Mandelson’s links to Epstein and alleged financial transactions dating back more than two decades.
The Labour peer, who was removed as UK ambassador to the United States last year following earlier revelations about Epstein, confirmed he formally stepped down from party membership on Sunday evening.
Resignation letter to Labour leadership
Mandelson said he had written to Labour’s general secretary, Hollie Ridley, explaining his decision to resign while he investigates claims that Epstein made financial payments connected to him.
In his letter, Mandelson said he regretted being “linked this weekend to the understandable furore surrounding Jeffrey Epstein” and maintained that allegations of payments were false. He said he had “no record or recollection” of receiving money from Epstein but accepted the claims needed further examination.
He added that stepping away from Labour was intended to protect the party from ongoing political fallout. Mandelson also reiterated his apology to victims of Epstein’s abuse, saying their voices should have been heard long before now.
Fresh documents fuel controversy
The renewed pressure follows the release of emails, bank records and images by the US Department of Justice, which appear to show Epstein sending three payments of $25,000 referencing Mandelson between 2003 and 2004. The documents include bank statements from Epstein’s JP Morgan accounts and references to accounts at Barclays and HSBC.
Mandelson has denied receiving the funds and questioned the authenticity of the documents, noting that US authorities have previously warned that some material in the Epstein files may be inaccurate or misleading.
He has acknowledged that continuing his association with Epstein was a serious error, saying he “deeply regrets” believing Epstein and maintaining contact with him.
Political pressure mounts on Labour leadership
The developments have intensified criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, particularly over Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador despite earlier concerns about his relationship with Epstein.
The Conservative Party has called for an independent investigation into Mandelson’s appointment, accusing Labour of poor judgment. A spokesperson said Mandelson should not have been allowed to resign quietly and argued that senior figures in Downing Street must now be scrutinised.
Labour ministers have faced questions over whether Mandelson should be stripped of his peerage, although the government has so far declined to take that step.
Calls for evidence to US authorities
Housing secretary Steve Reed said Mandelson had a “moral obligation” to share any information he has with investigators, adding that anyone with knowledge of Epstein’s activities should cooperate fully so victims can obtain justice.
Liberal Democrat MPs have also urged Mandelson to testify before the US Congress if requested, arguing that public confidence depends on full transparency.
Background to Mandelson’s fall from public office
Mandelson, a key figure in the New Labour governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, was one of the most influential political strategists of his generation. His career has previously survived multiple controversies, but his association with Epstein has proved politically toxic.
Epstein died in a US jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Since then, a steady release of court records and federal documents has implicated a wide network of powerful individuals, prompting renewed calls for accountability on both sides of the Atlantic.
Labour said it would handle any complaints in line with party procedures, but Mandelson’s resignation marks a further escalation in a scandal that continues to reverberate through British politics.
