Mandelson Claims No Memory of Epstein Payments as Political Storm Intensifies
Lord Peter Mandelson has stated he does not recall receiving payments totalling $75,000 (£54,000) from convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, following the emergence of documents in the latest Epstein files release. The revelation has triggered mounting political pressure and calls for transparency from senior government figures.
Documentary Evidence Points to Three Payments
According to documents released by the US Department of Justice on Friday, the former Labour MP for Hartlepool may have received three separate payments of $25,000 (£18,000) from Epstein in 2003 and 2004. A spokesperson for Lord Mandelson told Sky News: "Neither he nor his husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, has any record or recollection of receiving payments in 2003 or 2004 or know whether the documentation is authentic."
The documents suggest the first payment on 14 May 2003 was sent to a Barclays account held by Mandelson's partner, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, with Mandelson listed as the beneficiary. Further documents indicate potential payments on 24 June 2004 and 30 June 2004, with one apparently sent to an account naming Peter Mandelson as the account holder.
Growing Calls for Congressional Testimony
Pressure is increasing on both Lord Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to testify before the US Congress regarding their connections to Jeffrey Epstein. This development follows the weekend release of additional information linking both men to the disgraced financier.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed emphasised the importance of cooperation during an appearance on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, stating: "If anybody has information or evidence that they can share that might help to understand what's gone on and bring justice for these victims then they should share it. Whether that is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, whether it's Lord Mandelson, or whether it's anybody else." The minister added that individuals have a "moral obligation to share what they know."
Trevor Phillips Delivers Blunt Assessment
Broadcaster Trevor Phillips, who has known Lord Mandelson for nearly fifty years, delivered a stark message to his friend during his programme. Phillips stated: "I would claim the friend's privilege to tell Peter that he has been, at best naive and foolish, at worst greedy and duplicitous. Whatever is true as far as politics and public office are concerned, for Peter Mandelson, this is the end."
Phillips revealed that Mandelson had declined an invitation to appear on the programme but had communicated that while neither he nor his husband recall the 2003-2004 payments, he acknowledges his husband received a $10,000 loan from Epstein during Mandelson's tenure as a senior cabinet minister. Mandelson also accepts that Epstein was among those who lobbied him on significant policy matters during this period.
Policy Influence and Further Revelations
The latest Epstein files reveal that in December 2009, following the 2008 financial crisis, Lord Mandelson was "trying hard" to alter government policy on bankers' bonuses at Epstein's request. Additional correspondence from September 2009 shows Mandelson's husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, asking Epstein for thousands of dollars to fund an osteopathy course and other expenses.
These revelations come despite Epstein having been released from prison in July 2009 after pleading guilty to trafficking a minor. The documents have intensified scrutiny of Mandelson's connections during his time in high office.
Political Fallout and Official Responses
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has previously stated that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should testify before the US Congress if requested, and similar pressure is now building around Lord Mandelson. Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp told Sky News that both men should "give all the assistance they possibly can" to authorities investigating Epstein.
When questioned about Lord Mandelson and Epstein, Sir Keir responded: "Obviously he was removed as ambassador in relation to the further information that came to light in September of last year and I've nothing more to say in relation to Peter Mandelson."
Broader Context and Consequences
The political ramifications continue to unfold as Trevor Phillips questioned whether "the price of his misjudgement is to be paid only by the man himself, or whether those who trusted him and elevated him to the peerage, and to one of the highest diplomatic posts available, should also share in his ignominy."
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has already lost all his titles and associated royal roles due to his Epstein connections, while Lord Mandelson was dismissed as the UK's ambassador to the United States. There have been subsequent calls for the New Labour grandee to be stripped of his peerage entirely.
Lord Mandelson has previously offered an unequivocal apology to Epstein's victims, and it is important to note that being mentioned in the Epstein files does not indicate wrongdoing. However, the emergence of these documents has undoubtedly cast a long shadow over his political legacy and raised serious questions about judgment and accountability at the highest levels of British public life.
