Lobbying Firm Chief Executive Resigns Following Epstein Files Revelations
The chief executive of a prominent lobbying firm with deep ties to the Labour Party has resigned following the release of court documents detailing connections to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during the company's establishment.
Ben Wegg-Prosser stepped down from his role at Global Counsel on Friday, a move communicated to clients as the firm grapples with the fallout from newly revealed emails. These communications illustrate the extent to which Epstein was consulted during the founding of the consultancy in 2010, which Wegg-Prosser co-founded with the former Labour cabinet minister Peter Mandelson.
Emails Reveal Epstein's Consultative Role
The released correspondence shows that both Mandelson and Wegg-Prosser engaged with Epstein while setting up Global Counsel. In one email from February 2010, Mandelson informed Epstein that "Ben is coming to NYC to meet you and explain the business plan." Wegg-Prosser subsequently travelled to New York for this meeting, which occurred two years after Epstein's conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Further emails indicate that Mandelson shared an Excel spreadsheet containing a "lead list" of potential clients with Epstein, seeking his input. In March 2011, Wegg-Prosser himself emailed Epstein a draft statement intended to downplay the relationship between Mandelson and the financier, describing it as a casual acquaintance facilitated by Ghislaine Maxwell.
Immediate Fallout and Client Reactions
The scandal has triggered a significant crisis for Global Counsel, which has lobbied the UK government on behalf of clients including the controversial technology firm Palantir. The immediate consequence has been the loss of major clients, with Barclays already severing its ties with the lobbying group.
In a bid to contain the damage, the firm's chair, Archie Norman, announced on Friday that an agreement had been reached for the divestment of Mandelson's shares in the company. "The completion of this transaction will bring to an end any connection between Global Counsel and Peter Mandelson," Norman stated in a communication to clients.
Leadership Changes and Shareholding Structure
Following Wegg-Prosser's departure, Rebecca Park is now listed as the chief executive on Global Counsel's website. Park, who joined the company in 2021, previously served as the managing director of the banking lobby group UK Finance. It is reported that she is expected to acquire Mandelson's stake in the firm.
Company filings reveal that, as of October 2025, Mandelson held a 21% share in Global Counsel, while Wegg-Prosser retained a 29% stake. The firm emphasised its independent governance in client communications, asserting its continued focus on delivering high-quality, independent advice.
Broader Political Repercussions for Labour
The controversy has cast an uncomfortable spotlight on the relationship between the Labour Party and business interests. Global Counsel has been among the companies hosting events at the party's annual conference, highlighting the close nexus.
There is reported unease within Labour ranks regarding how this scandal underscores the party's connections to corporate networks. Clive Lewis, a Labour backbencher, commented on the situation, suggesting it reveals a "blind spot among many in the party" regarding its transformation.
The files also disclosed that Mandelson sought high-profile roles with corporations like BP and Glencore following Labour's 2019 election defeat. Notably, the hedge fund Rokos Capital Management confirmed it had terminated discussions with Mandelson concerning an advisory position.
Statements and Historical Context
In response to the allegations, a Global Counsel spokesperson stated: "Global Counsel was founded by Ben Wegg-Prosser with Peter Mandelson and with a founding investment from WPP plc in November 2010. Epstein never played any role in the establishment or ongoing business of Global Counsel."
Sources close to Wegg-Prosser have characterised his interaction with Epstein as a single, brief meeting arranged at Mandelson's suggestion, lasting approximately 25 minutes. Wegg-Prosser has previously said, "I had the misfortune to meet Epstein on one occasion. It was a short meeting of no consequence."
The resignation marks a significant moment for one of Westminster's most influential lobbying operations, as it seeks to distance itself from a scandal linked to one of the most notorious figures in recent financial and criminal history.
