Former British government minister Peter Mandelson has resigned from Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party following renewed media reports highlighting his past links to disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein, British media reported on Sunday.
Mandelson, who was dismissed last year as Britain’s ambassador to the United States after earlier revelations about his association with Epstein, said he stepped down to avoid causing “further embarrassment” to the party.
Mandelson Denies Financial Allegations
In a letter to the Labour Party, reported by the BBC and other UK media, Mandelson said he regretted being drawn again into controversy surrounding Epstein.
“I have been further linked this weekend to the understandable furore surrounding Jeffrey Epstein, and I feel regretful and sorry about this,” Mandelson said.
He denied allegations that Epstein made financial payments to him, claims that appeared in British media based on files released by the US Department of Justice. Mandelson said he would investigate the matter.
“While doing this, I do not wish to cause further embarrassment to the Labour Party, and I am therefore stepping down from membership of the party,” the letter said.
Key Figure in New Labour Era
Mandelson played a central role in Labour’s electoral success during the premiership of Tony Blair in the late 1990s and early 2000s, helping shape the party’s “New Labour” strategy.
However, his political career has been marked by controversy. In 1998, he resigned as trade minister over a loan from a fellow cabinet minister used to buy a house, amid concerns about conflicts of interest.
Past Resignations and Later Roles
Mandelson returned to the cabinet but resigned again in 2001 over allegations related to a passport scandal involving an Indian billionaire. He was later cleared of any wrongdoing.
He went on to serve as a European Union trade commissioner and is currently on a leave of absence from the House of Lords.
Epstein Links Reignite Scrutiny
Mandelson came under renewed scrutiny last year after US lawmakers released documents that included a letter in which he referred to Epstein as “my best pal,” a revelation that led to his removal as Britain’s envoy in Washington.
Starmer Calls for Prince Andrew Testimony
Separately, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Saturday that Britain’s former Prince Andrew should testify before a US congressional committee, following new revelations about his own links to Epstein.
