Lord Mandelson has announced his resignation from the Labour Party, saying he does not want to “cause further embarrassment” following renewed attention on his past association with the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The former cabinet minister, who was removed as UK ambassador to the United States last year due to his links with Epstein, was named in a fresh batch of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice on Friday.
The files allege that Epstein made payments totalling $75,000 (£55,000) to Lord Mandelson through three separate $25,000 transactions in 2003 and 2004.Mandelson’s Statement on Resigning from LabourIn a letter sent on Sunday to Labour’s general secretary, Lord Mandelson explained his decision to step away from the party.
“I have been further linked this weekend to the understandable furore surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and I feel regretful and sorry about this,” he wrote.He continued:“Allegations which I believe to be false that he made financial payments to me 20 years ago, and of which I have no record or recollection, need investigating by me.
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.”Lord Mandelson also reiterated an apology to Epstein’s victims, saying:“I want to take this opportunity to repeat my apology to the women and girls whose voices should have been heard long before now.
”Reflecting on his political career, he added:“I have dedicated my life to the values and success of the Labour Party and in taking my decision, I believe I am acting in its best interests.”Questions Over Newly Released Epstein DocumentsEarlier on Sunday, Lord Mandelson said he was unsure whether the newly published documents were authentic.
He again expressed regret for “ever having known Epstein” and for maintaining contact with him after his conviction, offering an “unequivocal” apology to those who suffered abuse.Political Reactions Within LabourSeveral Labour figures said they supported Mandelson’s decision to resign.
Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that he should refer himself to the House of Lords Commissioner for Standards, which investigates possible breaches of conduct.Jo White, MP for Bassetlaw, described the controversy as “excruciating,” adding:“He’s embarrassed the Labour Party, he’s embarrassed the prime minister and he’s an embarrassment to himself to be honest.”Gordon McKee, MP for Glasgow South, said Epstein’s victims would be “rightly outraged” by the latest revelations.
Conservative Criticism and Calls for InvestigationThe Conservative Party criticised Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, accusing him of allowing Mandelson to resign rather than removing him outright.Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for a “full Cabinet Office investigation” into whether Lord Mandelson or his husband received money from Epstein while he was serving as a minister.
She said:“If Starmer lacks the backbone to order this investigation, then it will be all the more clear that he bears full responsibility for bringing Mandelson back into British public life despite knowing about the relationship with Epstein.
”Meanwhile, Housing Secretary Steve Reed said the government was not aware of the alleged financial links when questioned by Laura Kuenssberg.Lord Mandelson’s departure from the Labour Party has intensified political debate and public scrutiny, as questions continue over accountability, transparency, and the handling of historic links to Jeffrey Epstein.
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