Starmer's Position on Lord Mandelson's Membership in the House of Lords
Sir Keir Starmer has expressed the view that Lord Mandelson should neither be a member of the House of Lords nor use his title, according to statements from Downing Street.
Prime Minister Orders Investigation into Mandelson's Epstein Links
The prime minister has commissioned an "urgent" investigation into Lord Mandelson's interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during Mandelson's tenure as a government minister.
This inquiry follows the release of additional documents revealing the former Labour minister's close association with Epstein.
Details from Released Documents and Email Exchanges
Among the newly disclosed documents are email exchanges that appear to show Lord Mandelson, while serving as business secretary in 2009, forwarding internal government information originally sent to then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown to Epstein.
Mandelson's Leave of Absence and Resignation
Lord Mandelson has been on a leave of absence from the House of Lords since assuming the role of US ambassador in December 2024. He was dismissed from this position in September of the previous year after details of his friendship with Epstein became public.
Additionally, he has resigned his Labour Party membership after four decades of involvement at the centre of political power. The latest revelations appear likely to mark the end of his public career.
Scope and Leadership of the Current Review
The ongoing review will be conducted by Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald and will examine "all available information," according to No 10.
However, Downing Street has clarified that the prime minister does not possess the authority to directly revoke Lord Mandelson's peerage title.
Prime Minister's Official Statement on Mandelson's Title
"The prime minister believes that Peter Mandelson should not be a member of the House of Lords or use the title.
However, the prime minister does not have the power to remove it."
Challenges in Removing Peerage Titles
Government officials have indicated that removing Lord Mandelson's title through legislation—which has not been enacted for over a century—would be a complex and protracted process.
Instead, the prime minister advocates for modernising disciplinary procedures to facilitate the removal of disgraced peers via a Lords' Conduct Committee, which would be a more expedient and straightforward approach.
Starmer's Call for Cooperation with US Congress
Sir Keir's spokesperson stated that if Lord Mandelson possesses relevant information, he should be willing to testify before the US Congress.
"The prime minister has always said that anyone who has got information should be prepared to share that information," the Downing Street spokesman said.
"You cannot be victim centred if you are not prepared to do that."
Details of Emails Linking Mandelson to Epstein
Emails released as part of the Epstein files suggest that Lord Mandelson forwarded internal government information to Jeffrey Epstein during his time as Gordon Brown's business secretary and de facto deputy prime minister.
In June 2009, Brown's policy adviser Nick Butler sent an email to the prime minister regarding the UK's struggling economy. In the email, Butler advocated for "releasing value from the very substantial asset base which the government holds" and proposed the development of an "asset sales plan."
Butler copied several individuals, including Peter Mandelson. Newly released emails indicate that Mandelson forwarded Butler's email to Epstein with the message: "Interesting note that's gone to the PM." Epstein responded by asking: "what salable [sic] assets?"
Another internal government email from August 2009, which Mandelson was copied into, was also forwarded to Epstein. However, it remains unclear who sent this email to Epstein.
The August 2009 email involved then-government Business Minister Shriti Vadera discussing strategies to improve financial markets following the crash, including proposals to provide funds to struggling companies in exchange for equity stakes.
Lord Mandelson's Response
Lord Mandelson has been approached for comment regarding these revelations.
