Fresh Email Evidence Reveals Extended Epstein Connection
Newly released emails have uncovered that Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to Washington, maintained contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein until at least 2016. This revelation comes six years later than previously known communications between the two men.
The documents emerged from Democrats on the House oversight committee, which is currently investigating the US government's handling of the Epstein case. These emails show the relationship extended well beyond what was disclosed during Mandelson's appointment as ambassador.
The 2016 Email Exchange Details
Among the released correspondence is an email sent by Epstein to Mandelson on 6 November 2016 that stated: "63 years old. You made it," appearing to reference Mandelson's birthday from two weeks earlier.
Mandelson responded within 30 minutes, writing: "Just. I have decided to extend my life by spending more of it in the US." This quick response suggests an ongoing, familiar relationship between the two men.
Epstein's reply referenced the incoming Trump administration, saying: "In the Donald white house," given that Donald Trump had been elected president just two days earlier. When Mandelson asked for clarification with "What's the Donald white house? And how are you?", Epstein elaborated with: "Trump / and having a great deal of fun."
Most notably, Epstein added: "In hindsight. you were right about staying away from Andrew. I was right in your staying with rinaldo (SIC)," which is believed to reference Mandelson's now-husband Reinaldo Avila da Silva.
Political Fallout and Previous Revelations
Mandelson was dismissed from his position as UK ambassador to Washington in September following earlier email leaks that showed he had encouraged Epstein to "fight for early release" in 2008 while the financier faced charges of soliciting sex from minors.
At that time, the known correspondence between Mandelson and Epstein was believed to have ended in 2010. These new revelations extend that timeline by another six years, creating further embarrassment for the Labour government.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces intensified criticism over his decision to appoint Mandelson despite apparent warnings about his association with Epstein. The situation became particularly awkward when Starmer told MPs during Prime Minister's Questions on 10 September that he maintained confidence in Mandelson, only to see him sacked the following day.
UK foreign office minister Stephen Doughty informed Parliament in September that Mandelson had failed to disclose "the extent and depth of his friendship with Epstein" during his appointment process.
Recent claims suggest Starmer received a cabinet office report outlining "reputational risks" associated with Mandelson's appointment, including his "prior relationship with Jeffrey Epstein" and past resignations as a Labour minister.
MPs are now pressing the cabinet office to release information that was available to Starmer when he expressed confidence in Mandelson to the House of Commons.
In a September letter to British embassy staff in Washington, obtained by the BBC, Mandelson stated he continued "to feel utterly awful about my association with Epstein 20 years ago and the plight of his victims." However, these new emails demonstrate his association with the disgraced financier continued much more recently than previously acknowledged.
