The political career of Lord Peter Mandelson, once dubbed the 'eternal comeback kid', appears to have suffered a terminal blow following his disastrous handling of questions about his association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The former Labour cabinet minister, who was withdrawn as the UK's US ambassador last September, faced widespread condemnation after a BBC interview where he initially refused to apologise to Epstein's victims.
A Career Built on Relationships, Destroyed by One
Mandelson's latest dramatic fall from grace is the third major resignation of his long and controversial career. His appointment as ambassador to Washington was itself contentious, secured largely through his mentorship of Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, despite serious reservations from the Prime Minister and others. The role unravelled in September when emails surfaced detailing his close relationship with Epstein, whom he had described in 2003 as his 'best pal'. The correspondence revealed Mandelson had advised Epstein to 'fight for early release' on the eve of his 2008 sentencing for soliciting prostitution and procuring a minor.
This tendency to be drawn to figures of power and wealth, a trait that has both propelled and plagued his career, proved his undoing once more. Downing Street insiders confirm Mandelson was given no opportunity to explain the context of the emails to the Prime Minister before being withdrawn from his post. The 5am recall call to the ambassador's residence in Washington came on the birthday of his husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva.
The Failed Apology and Mounting Criticism
Mandelson's attempt at public rehabilitation via an interview on Laura Kuenssberg's Sunday BBC show backfired spectacularly. Pressed to apologise to Epstein's victims, he stated: 'If I was complicit or culpable, of course I would apologise, but I was not culpable.' He expressed regret that 'powerless women' were not protected by the American system, but stopped short of a personal apology.
The response was swift and damning. Former Ed Miliband adviser Ayesha Hazarika called it a 'slap in the face to Epstein victims'. By Monday evening, Mandelson issued an unequivocal apology: 'I was wrong to believe him following his conviction and to continue my association with him afterwards. I apologise unequivocally for doing so to the women and girls who suffered.'
In Westminster, the episode confirmed long-held suspicions. 'What on earth was Peter playing at?' asked one cabinet minister. 'He needs to disappear for a very long time.' A second source noted the damage to Keir Starmer, reminding the public that the Prime Minister had appointed him.
Explaining the U-Turn and Personal Anguish
Sources close to Mandelson suggest his initial refusal to apologise stemmed from a desire not to be 'bracketed by implication' with those who participated in or covered up Epstein's crimes. He had made a 'split-second judgment' during the interview to focus on systemic failures. However, he became concerned he was seen as shunning personal responsibility, prompting the later statement.
Another friend pointed to Mandelson's experience as a gay politician of 'a certain generation', creating a 'real sensitivity' about any implication of complicity in the abuse of young people. 'The old spin doctor in him didn't want headlines of 'Mandy says sorry for paedo friend',' they said.
The personal toll has been significant. 'He has been in a pretty bad way – there have been tears,' revealed one source. The scandal was followed by an embarrassing incident where Mandelson was photographed urinating outside George Osborne's home after a dinner, which he later apologised for.
Admirers Remain, But the Door to Power Closes
Despite the humiliation, the 72-year-old peer retains influential admirers. Louis Mosley, UK head of the data firm Palantir and grandson of fascist leader Oswald Mosley, praised Mandelson's 'formidable political brain' and called him a 'masterful interpreter of Trump'. Palantir was a client of Global Counsel, the strategic consultancy Mandelson co-founded.
Mandelson's network within the current Labour government runs deep. During the opposition years, he was a regular at a Sunday supper party at the home of fellow peer Roger Liddle. Attendees included Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Starmer's former communications director Matt Doyle, and political secretary to the Chancellor Matt Pound. Streeting reportedly joked about a blue plaque for the home's role in Labour's reinvention.
Yet, the path back to an official role seems firmly blocked. Friends say Mandelson is 'very cross' with Keir Starmer for not defending him. Starmer's instinct had always been to keep Mandelson 'at arm's length', and he was reportedly reluctant to attend his wedding in October 2023.
Financially secure after Global Counsel repaid him £1.3m in loans, Mandelson has retreated to a rented home in Pewsey Vale, Wiltshire, where he has already courted local controversy by felling seven poplar trees. But as one friend concluded: 'Peter is addicted to the political life. He has to be seen.' The question now is whether anyone in power is still willing to look.
