Downing Street Declares Starmer's Position on Mandelson's Peerage
Downing Street has confirmed that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer believes Lord Peter Mandelson should not retain his membership in the House of Lords or continue using his title. This statement comes in the wake of fresh disclosures regarding Mandelson's association with the convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, which have sparked widespread calls for the former Labour grandee to be stripped of his peerage.
Government Calls for Lords to Modernise Disciplinary Procedures
While the prime minister lacks the direct authority to revoke life peerages, his administration is urging the House of Lords to overhaul its disciplinary framework. The objective is to establish a clear and effective process for removing members who bring the institution into disrepute. A spokesperson for Number 10 emphasised, "The prime minister believes that Mandelson should not be a member of the House of Lords or use the title." They added, "The prime minister doesn't have power to remove [his peerage], and is calling on the Lords to modernise its disciplinary procedures for those bringing the House into disrepute."
Historical Context and Legislative Hurdles
The last instance of peerages being rescinded occurred in 1917 under the Titles Deprivation Act, which targeted individuals deemed enemies of the UK during the First World War. This legislation remains in force but is narrowly confined to that specific historical period, rendering it largely inapplicable today. The government has previously asserted that an act of parliament is the sole mechanism for stripping a peerage, though no such bill is currently in the pipeline. Instead, ministers are advocating for collaborative efforts with the Lords to strengthen the circumstances under which disgraced peers can be removed.
Fresh Revelations Fuel Demands for Action
The mounting pressure on Mandelson stems from newly released documents related to Epstein, which appear to show three bank transfers totalling $75,000 from the financier to Mandelson in 2003 and 2004. During this period, Mandelson served as the Labour MP for Hartlepool. The authenticity and destination of these payments remain unclear, but their emergence has intensified scrutiny. In response, Mandelson has denied any record or recollection of the transactions and questioned their validity, while apologising to Epstein's victims.
Mandelson's Resignation and Ongoing Controversy
Lord Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party on Sunday night, amid the escalating scandal. He was previously dismissed as the UK's ambassador to the United States in September after it was revealed he maintained contact with Epstein following the latter's 2008 conviction. Further complicating matters, a photograph analysed by Sky News shows Mandelson in his underwear in Epstein's Paris flat, though he has stated he has no knowledge of the image's origins or connection to Epstein.
Political Reactions and Calls for Investigations
Opposition leaders have seized on the issue, demanding accountability and transparency. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called for a full Cabinet Office investigation into Mandelson's ambassadorial appointment, questioning the vetting process and Starmer's judgement. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has urged the government to introduce legislation to revoke Mandelson's peerage, describing it as "the very least they can do for the victims and survivors of his friend Jeffrey Epstein."
Cabinet Secretary Review and Broader Implications
In a related development, Prime Minister Starmer has instructed the cabinet secretary to urgently review all available information on contacts between Mandelson and Epstein. This review follows emails that suggest discussions between the pair on government and political matters. The prime minister's spokesman also indicated that, if Mandelson possesses relevant information, he should be prepared to testify before the US Congress, prioritising the voices of Epstein's victims.
The unfolding saga highlights enduring questions about accountability within the British political establishment and the mechanisms for addressing misconduct among peers. As calls for reform grow, the government's push for modernised disciplinary procedures in the House of Lords may signal a broader shift towards greater transparency and ethical standards in public life.
