Lord Mandelson Resigns from House of Lords Amid Epstein Email Controversy
Lord Peter Mandelson has announced his resignation from the House of Lords following explosive revelations about his relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The former business secretary, a prominent Labour figure for four decades, will step down voluntarily with effect from tomorrow, according to an announcement made by the Lord Speaker this afternoon.
Prime Minister's Intervention and Police Investigation
Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously stated he was exploring options to remove Mandelson from the upper chamber. Yesterday, Starmer told his Cabinet that Mandelson had "let his country down" and described the peer's claims about not recalling receiving substantial sums from Epstein as "gobsmacking".
A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed today that the Cabinet Office has passed relevant material to police authorities. The Metropolitan Police have acknowledged receiving "a number of reports relating to alleged misconduct in a public office" since the Epstein files were released, though they have not specifically named Mandelson as a target.
Email Revelations and Market Information Concerns
The resignation comes amid growing controversy over emails exchanged between Mandelson and Epstein during Mandelson's time in Cabinet. These communications appear to contain market-sensitive information that has raised serious questions about potential breaches of ministerial conduct.
Despite stepping down from his parliamentary role, Mandelson will retain his title of Lord as there is no formal mechanism to remove peerages once granted. This technicality means he will continue to be addressed as Lord Mandelson despite no longer participating in House of Lords proceedings.
Government Cooperation and Political Fallout
Starmer has emphasised that the government will fully cooperate with any police inquiries into the matter. According to an official readout of today's Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister stated clearly that "the government would cooperate with the police in any inquiries they carried out".
The controversy represents a significant development in British politics, involving one of Labour's most experienced figures and raising questions about ministerial conduct standards. The situation continues to develop as authorities examine the implications of the released Epstein files and their connection to British political figures.
