Lord Mandelson Emerges Amid Dual Scandals Involving Epstein and Russian Oligarch
Lord Peter Mandelson has been sighted for the first time since explosive revelations about his long-term friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his acceptance of luxury flights on a Russian oligarch's private jet came to light. The former British ambassador to the United States was pictured outside his London home on Saturday lunchtime, carrying a large dog in his arms, just hours after receiving a formal letter requesting his testimony before a congressional committee.
Congressional Demand for Testimony on Epstein Links
The letter, signed by representatives Robert Garcia and Suhas Subramanyam, explicitly calls for Lord Mandelson to participate in a transcribed interview to assist in uncovering the identities of Epstein's co-conspirators and enablers. It highlights compelling evidence of their close ties, including a handwritten note from 2003 where Mandelson referred to Epstein as his 'best pal' and praised him as 'an intelligent, sharp-witted man'.
Bank records obtained by the committee reveal that Epstein transferred substantial sums to Mandelson, with payments totaling more than $75,000 between 2003 and 2004. This financial connection has intensified scrutiny, leading to calls for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to reconsider Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador, a role widely regarded as the most prestigious in British diplomacy.
Police Raids and Allegations of Information Leaks
In a parallel development, Scotland Yard has launched a probe into allegations that Mandelson passed confidential British government information to financier Epstein. Officers conducted raids at his £12 million London residence and a rented farmhouse in Wiltshire, seizing evidence in cardboard boxes. These actions underscore the gravity of the accusations and the ongoing criminal investigation.
Exclusive Revelations of 'Ghost Flights' with Russian Oligarch
Meanwhile, a Daily Mail investigation has exclusively uncovered shocking details of Mandelson's 'ghost flights' aboard a Gulfstream jet controlled by Oleg Deripaska, a favoured tycoon of Kremlin strongman Vladimir Putin. These flights occurred in November 2004, when Mandelson, then EU trade commissioner, traveled to a crucial trade summit in The Hague to meet Putin.
The EU has confirmed that Mandelson failed to declare these flights, as required by regulations. The journey included legs from Brussels to Luton and then Luton to Rotterdam. A member of the flight crew described Mandelson as 'quite ratty' due to his impatience to arrive faster.
Cosy Relations with Putin's Inner Circle
Further revelations indicate that around this period, Mandelson enjoyed intimate connections with Putin's inner circle. In 2005, he attended a private, unofficial, and undeclared dinner with the Russian finance minister, arranged by Deripaska, and flew 2,000 miles to Siberia to stay at the aluminium oligarch's dacha, where he experienced a traditional Russian 'banya' or sauna.
Notably, the EU subsequently slashed aluminium tariffs, a move that greatly benefited Deripaska, who ascended to become one of the world's ten richest men. The European Commission has previously insisted there was 'no political interference' from Lord Mandelson in this decision, but the timing and context have raised serious questions.
Political Fallout and Calls for Investigation
The revelations have sparked a torrid fortnight for Lord Mandelson, with political figures demanding thorough investigations. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch labeled the new details 'disturbing' and called for the intelligence and security committee to examine all material related to Mandelson's tenure as EU trade commissioner.
Shadow home affairs minister Alicia Kearns criticized Mandelson, stating he 'stinks of a man who holds the British people in complete contempt' and accused him of betraying the EU to Putin's pet oligarch. Former prime minister Gordon Brown has suggested that Mandelson's email contacts with Epstein could constitute a 'crime'.
Mandelson's Response and Ongoing Scrutiny
When confronted with the latest revelations by the Daily Mail, Lord Mandelson claimed he could 'not recall' travel arrangements from so long ago but asserted they would have 'been made by his office at the Commission'. As the scandals continue to unfold, the sighting of Mandelson outside his home marks a pivotal moment in a saga that intertwines high-level diplomacy, financial misconduct, and international intrigue, with potential ramifications for British politics and security.
