A senior Democratic Congresswoman has publicly urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to actively encourage his former US ambassador, Peter Mandelson, to provide testimony before the United States Congress. This call comes in the wake of further revelations concerning Lord Mandelson's connections to the convicted paedophile financier, Jeffrey Epstein.
Congressional Call for Cooperation
Democratic Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández, who chairs the Democratic Women's Caucus, stated that Sir Keir should explicitly tell the former ambassador to give evidence regarding Epstein. When questioned on BBC Newsnight about whether Mandelson should be legally compelled to appear, she clarified the limitations, noting, 'He should encourage him, because we do not have authority to issue a subpoena.'
Ms Leger Fernández expressed profound dissatisfaction with the current state of accountability, asserting that survivors have yet to see the justice they deserve. 'I think the reckoning has to take place. I don't think it's actually happening yet, because we know that the Epstein files have not been fully disclosed,' she said. She was sharply critical of both current and previous US administrations, accusing them of obstructing justice. 'We know this administration, the Trump administration, continues to stonewall and continues to make it difficult for the survivors to get the justice that they are seeking.'
Condemnation of File Handling
The Congresswoman also condemned the recent mishandling of Epstein-related documents by the US Department of Justice, which had to retract files for inadvertently identifying victims. 'It's happening because they are not paying attention to their own requirements. They are protecting paedophiles, they are protecting perpetrators, and they are putting the victims at risk. We see an administration that is trying to protect the paedophiles, that's trying to protect the perpetrators,' she stated.
Metropolitan Police Investigation
This political pressure coincides with the launch of a criminal probe by the Metropolitan Police. The investigation is examining allegations that Lord Mandelson passed market-sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein. This probe follows Mandelson's dismissal from the role of US ambassador last year, a direct result of the escalating scrutiny over his past associations with the disgraced financier.
Files released by the US Department of Justice appear to substantiate these concerns. They suggest Mandelson was sharing material with Epstein during his tenure as Business Secretary under Gordon Brown's Labour government, a critical period encompassing the 2008 financial crisis and its turbulent aftermath.
Revelations from Released Files
The trove of documents paints a detailed picture of Epstein's attempts to influence British politics through Mandelson. Notably, the files indicate Epstein actively encouraged Mandelson to pursue the leadership of the Labour Party, despite the peerage that legally barred him from becoming Prime Minister.
In one particularly bizarre exchange, Epstein jokingly proposed that Mandelson marry Princess Anne and then divorce her, suggesting this would 'effectively dissolve his peerage.' On other occasions, the financier floated the idea of a joint leadership bid, dubbing it 'Milibrandelson,' a partnership between Mandelson and fellow Blairite David Miliband.
Epstein's Political Meddling
The communications reveal Epstein's meddling began almost immediately after Mandelson's appointment to Cabinet in October 2008. Congratulating him, Epstein wrote of 'one of the greatest political revival opportunities of all time,' and urged policy change, stating, 'Laws need to be changed... You will be the architect of LABOR 2.O.'
After serving his jail sentence for child sex offences, Epstein resumed contact in 2009, increasingly pressuring Mandelson to position himself for power. He advised on distancing from the struggling Prime Minister Gordon Brown, warning that loyalty might not be rewarded. 'You will be seen as the architect of a losing campaign,' Epstein cautioned in one message, suggesting Mandelson take a strong, independent stance.
The exchanges show Mandelson engaging with these ideas, at one point implying he had floated a potential move to Brown himself, but found the PM 'totally against.' The messages culminate in May 2010, with Mandelson informing Epstein, 'Finally got him to go today…' just before Brown's resignation.
Lord Mandelson, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, is now expected to be interviewed by police officers as part of their investigation into whether his dealings with Epstein breached the law. The unfolding scandal continues to raise serious questions about influence, accountability, and the extent of Epstein's network within political circles.
