Lord Peter Mandelson has been photographed for the first time since being formally requested to provide evidence to the United States Congress concerning his relationship with the convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. The peer was observed departing his residence in north-west London on Saturday, following the receipt of a letter from two American politicians on Friday demanding his appearance before the congressional Epstein investigation.
Westminster Fallout Intensifies
Since the latest batch of Epstein files was disclosed in the United States, Lord Mandelson has resigned from the Labour Party and stepped down from the House of Lords. However, political anger in Westminster has escalated significantly after the documents revealed that he leaked confidential information to Epstein while serving as a government minister during the Tony Blair administration.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has even faced mounting pressure to resign, with critics challenging his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as the US ambassador, a role widely regarded as the most prestigious position in British diplomatic circles.
US Congress Letter Details
The letter addressed to Lord Mandelson, signed by US Representatives Robert Garcia and Suhas Subramanyam, stated: "While you no longer serve as British ambassador to the United States and have stepped down from the House of Lords, it is clear that you possessed extensive social and business ties to Jeffrey Epstein and hold critical information pertaining to our investigation of Epstein's operations."
It continued: "Given the appalling allegations regarding Epstein's conduct, we request that you make yourself available for a transcribed interview with committee staff regarding the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators."
The correspondence further emphasised: "Numerous pieces of evidence have come to light demonstrating your close ties to Jeffrey Epstein over the span of multiple years."
Evidence Cited by US Politicians
Among the specific evidence highlighted in the letter were:
- Lord Mandelson's handwritten note in a 50th birthday book for Epstein, where he referred to the late financier as his "best pal".
- The peer's stay at Epstein's New York apartment in 2009, while Epstein was serving an 18-month sentence for soliciting prostitution and soliciting a minor.
- Photographs of Lord Mandelson in his underwear, included in the latest release of documents by the US Department of Justice.
Lord Mandelson has been given a deadline of February 27 to respond to the letter from the two US politicians, citing "the urgency and gravity of this matter".
