Former British ambassador to the United States and senior Labour Party figure Lord Peter Mandelson has resigned from the Labour Party following renewed controversy over his links to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The resignation comes after newly released documents by the US Department of Justice reignited questions around Epstein’s global network and its connections to influential political figures. The disclosures have sparked public outrage and intensified political pressure in the UK.
Alleged Payments Raise Serious Questions
According to the newly surfaced documents, Epstein allegedly made three separate payments between 2003 and 2004, totaling $75,000 (around Rs 68.7 lakh), to accounts reportedly linked to Mandelson.
While investigators have not yet established the purpose or legitimacy of these payments, their disclosure has prompted renewed scrutiny. Mandelson has firmly denied receiving any such funds and stated that he intends to investigate the claims independently.
Redacted Photograph Adds to Controversy
The latest batch of files, often referred to as the Epstein Files, also reportedly includes a redacted photograph showing Mandelson standing beside a woman whose identity has been concealed. In the image, Mandelson appears dressed in underwear.
Responding to the image, the 72-year-old told British media that he could not recall the circumstances, the location, or the identity of the woman in the photograph. The image has nevertheless fueled further speculation and media attention.
Resignation to Avoid Party Embarrassment
In a letter addressed to the Labour Party, Mandelson expressed regret over the renewed attention surrounding his past association with Epstein. He said that, while he believes the allegations are false, he does not want the controversy to cause additional damage to the party.
“I do not wish to cause further embarrassment to the Labour Party and am therefore stepping down from membership,” Mandelson wrote.
His decision follows his removal last year as Britain’s envoy to Washington, after earlier Epstein-related documents revealed he once referred to Epstein as “my best pal.”
A Career Marked by Influence and Controversy
Mandelson has been one of the most influential architects of Labour’s electoral victories under former Prime Minister Tony Blair. However, his career has also been punctuated by high-profile controversies.
He resigned as trade minister in 1998 over an undisclosed loan used to purchase a house and later stepped down again in 2001 amid allegations linked to a passport issue involving an Indian billionaire—claims from which he was eventually cleared.
He has also been on leave from the House of Lords, Britain’s upper parliamentary chamber, amid the ongoing investigations.
Wider Political Implications
The latest revelations arrive at a time when global attention remains sharply focused on Epstein’s network of powerful associates. UK Labour leader Keir Starmer has recently renewed calls for Prince Andrew to cooperate with US authorities over his own Epstein links.
Mandelson’s resignation highlights the enduring political and reputational risks tied to Epstein, even years after his death. For many public figures, past associations continue to resurface with serious consequences.
Despite a long and influential career in British and international politics, Peter Mandelson’s departure from the Labour Party underscores how unresolved questions surrounding Jeffrey Epstein continue to cast long shadows. As investigations and disclosures persist, the political fallout shows no signs of fading.