Lord Peter Mandelson, Britain's ambassador to Washington, is facing intense scrutiny after the release of a 238-page 'birthday book' compiled for Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. The book, released by Democrats in Congress, includes handwritten messages and photos from Mandelson, who hailed Epstein as 'my best pal' and sent topless holiday snaps from Epstein's Caribbean island.
The Labour peer expressed 'regret' for meeting Epstein, but the depth of their relationship has now been exposed. Mandelson's ten-page contribution features photos from a 2002 visit to Little St James, Epstein's private island, including an image of him in a fluffy white dressing gown chatting with Epstein. He wrote: 'Wherever he is in the world, he remains my best pal!!' and 'Happy birthday Jeffrey – we love you!!'
Critics question whether Mandelson's position is tenable, just a week before US President Donald Trump's state visit to the UK, where Mandelson plays a key role. Epstein victims, including Sarah Ransome, have called for his sacking, stating: 'Peter Mandelson should not be ambassador. He needs to be fired.'
There is no suggestion Mandelson was aware of Epstein's crimes, which included soliciting underage sex and sex-trafficking children. Epstein was convicted in 2008 and found dead in his cell in 2019. Downing Street and Cabinet ministers have shrugged off questions about Mandelson's judgment.
