US Democrats Demand Mandelson Testify Over Epstein Links in Congressional Probe
Democrats in the United States have formally demanded that former British minister Peter Mandelson testifies before Congress following explosive new revelations about his connections to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The call comes after the United States Department of Justice released files showing extensive communications between the two men during Mandelson's tenure as Business Secretary in 2008.
Critical Information and Political Revival
According to the DOJ documents, Mandelson appears to have provided Epstein with what is described as "critical information" amid the financial crash. On the very day Mandelson was appointed, Epstein sent a congratulatory message hailing it as one of the "greatest political revival opportunities of all time." Epstein's message went further, stating: "Laws need to be changed. It will take time, Gordon thinks like an old man. Old solutions will not work. You will be the architect of LABOR 2.O."
These revelations have prompted Democrats to urge Mandelson, who was removed as US ambassador last year due to his past Epstein associations, to make himself available for a transcribed interview. US Representative Robert Garcia, alongside fellow Democrat Suhas Subramanyam, wrote a joint letter to Mandelson emphasizing his extensive social and business ties to Epstein and the critical information he holds for their investigation.
The letter states: "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."
Metropolitan Police Investigation and Alleged Wrongdoing
This congressional pressure follows the Metropolitan Police launching a criminal probe into allegations that Mandelson passed market-sensitive information to Epstein. While Mandelson has consistently denied any wrongdoing, he is now expected to be interviewed by officers over claims that his dealings with Epstein may have breached the law.
The DOJ files reveal a series of bizarre and suggestive messages from Epstein to Mandelson. In October 2009, Epstein joked about marrying Mandelson off to Princess Anne, suggesting that a divorce could pave the way for him to become prime minister. He later proposed marrying Princess Beatrice, to which Mandelson replied, "Remember, I am already her Lord President," prompting Epstein to quip, "Does that make it incest, how exciting."
Political Maneuvering and Leadership Ambitions
Beyond the jokes, Epstein grew increasingly insistent that Mandelson should seize a greater role within the struggling Labour Party. In November 2009, Epstein urged Mandelson to form a pact with David Miliband to seize the leadership, suggesting a "Putin Medvedev deal" where they would run as a team, dubbed "Milibrandelson." Epstein questioned, "The voters would be voting for you?"
Later that month, Epstein checked in on Mandelson, pushing him to aim for a bigger government role, potentially replacing Alastair Darling as Chancellor. He wrote, "As a politician I can't let you walk away from an Olympic Silver medal." Mandelson's reply indicated he had floated the idea to Gordon Brown but was rebuffed, stating, "The PM totally against. I have to accept, I think."
Epstein persisted, advising Mandelson on November 29 to push for a move while maintaining loyalty to Brown. Mandelson responded, "He will immediately push panic button - highly sensitised to movement of my eyebrow."
Distancing from Gordon Brown and Mocking Departure
As the Labour government unraveled in February, Epstein advised Mandelson to distance himself from the Prime Minister, warning that Brown lacked support and that Mandelson should avoid being seen as anything but a loyal subject. He cautioned, "You would be being duplicitous to make believe there was not a crisis in the future."
Mandelson expressed concern that continuing as is would leave him as one of the few big figures, having to deliver a campaign that only Brown could ruin. Epstein retorted, "You could win if you ran, however, you will be seen as the architect of a losing campaign... if you merely play his brilliant party speaker, I fear, you will be attached to the eventual smell."
Months later, Epstein messaged again, urging Mandelson to maintain distance, citing commercial concerns and JPMorgan's fears about the pound. The next day, they exchanged messages mocking Brown's inevitable departure, with Epstein asking, "Bye, bye smelly?" and Mandelson replying, "Think has to be bye GB. He has now gone to church!" On May 10, Mandelson informed Epstein that Brown had finally agreed to step down, saying, "Finally got him to go today…" Brown resigned the following day.
The DOJ files also include a controversial photo of Mandelson talking to a woman in a white bathrobe while in his underwear, with his spokesman claiming no knowledge of its origin, though the interior matches Epstein's Paris flat, known as the "House of Sin." These revelations underscore the deepening scrutiny on Mandelson's ties to Epstein and the urgent calls for his testimony in the ongoing congressional investigation.
