Mandelson Urged to Return Payoff Following Dismissal Over Epstein Links
Lord Peter Mandelson has been publicly urged to return the substantial payoff he received after his dismissal as ambassador to the United States, or alternatively donate the sum to charity. This demand follows fresh revelations concerning his relationship with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which led to his removal from the prestigious diplomatic post. The controversy has intensified with new documents suggesting that Mandelson leaked market-sensitive information to Epstein while serving as a government minister.
Cabinet Minister Calls for Payoff to Be Given to Victims' Charity
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, a close ally of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, has explicitly called for the taxpayer-funded handout—potentially amounting to tens of thousands of pounds—to be returned or given to a victims' charity. McFadden firmly rejected escalating demands for Sir Keir's resignation, cautioning that a change in leadership could precipitate widespread chaos and uncertainty. He emphasised the importance of consistency in governance, stating on Sunday morning political programmes that the Prime Minister possesses a five-year mandate and his task has barely begun.
Political Turmoil and Leadership Challenges
The scandal has prompted significant political turmoil, with Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright asserting that calls for Sir Keir's resignation are widespread, noting that "everybody's thinking it." Wright criticised the Prime Minister for allegedly ignoring advice from elected officials within his own government and listening instead to a factional group making poor decisions. In contrast, McFadden defended Sir Keir, describing him as horrified by the recent disclosures and insisting he has acted in good faith throughout the ordeal.
McFadden's Personal Reflections and Denials
Pat McFadden revealed his personal sense of bewilderment, anger, and betrayal upon viewing correspondence between his former boss, Lord Mandelson, and Jeffrey Epstein. He served as Mandelson's deputy when the peer, then business secretary, was reportedly sharing confidential government information about the global financial crisis with Epstein. McFadden denied any prior knowledge of Mandelson's friendship with Epstein, despite their close political relationship, highlighting that it is possible to be unaware of certain aspects of a colleague's life.
Internal Warnings and Future Implications
The appointment of Lord Mandelson to the Washington role faced internal warnings from colleagues, including allies of Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and Angela Rayner, both considered potential successors to Sir Keir. McFadden remarked that these individuals must answer for themselves regarding their interventions. He also dismissed calls for the dismissal of Sir Keir's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, as beside the point, emphasising that the ultimate decision rested with the Prime Minister. The unfolding scandal underscores ongoing challenges in moving beyond past political controversies and maintaining stable leadership.
