Starmer Calls for Lords Reform to Oust Mandelson After Epstein Revelations
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has demanded that the House of Lords urgently modernise its disciplinary procedures to enable the removal of Peter Mandelson from the upper chamber and the stripping of his peerage. This follows new details emerging about Mandelson's relationship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which have sparked widespread political controversy.
Cabinet Secretary to Investigate Mandelson's Ministerial Actions
The cabinet secretary, Chris Wormald, the UK's most senior civil servant, will conduct a review of Mandelson's actions during his tenure as business secretary under Gordon Brown's government. This investigation comes after emails were released showing Mandelson allegedly assured Epstein in December 2009 that he was "trying hard" to change government policy on bankers' bonuses at Epstein's request.
In the email exchange, Epstein inquired about altering the policy to tax only the cash portion of bankers' bonuses, to which Mandelson replied, "Trying hard to amend as I explained to Jes last night. Treasury digging in but I am on case." Additionally, Mandelson appears to have leaked a confidential UK government document to Epstein, detailing £20bn in asset sales and Labour's tax policy plans, further intensifying scrutiny.
Downing Street's Stance on Congressional Testimony and Peerage Removal
Downing Street has stated that if Mandelson is called to testify before the US Congress inquiry into the Epstein files, he should comply. A spokesperson for Starmer emphasised, "The prime minister has always said that anyone who's got information should be prepared to share that information in whatever form they are asked to do that."
However, Starmer's spokesperson clarified that the prime minister lacks the direct power to remove Mandelson's peerage, highlighting the need for Lords reform. "The prime minister believes that Peter Mandelson should not be a member of the House of Lords or use the title," the spokesperson said, urging the Lords to collaborate with the government to update disciplinary measures for members who bring the house into disrepute.
Political Reactions and Calls for Investigations
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for a full Cabinet Office investigation into Mandelson's links with Epstein and the circumstances surrounding his appointment as UK ambassador to Washington, from which he was sacked last year. Badenoch criticised Starmer, stating, "Keir Starmer told me that he had full confidence in Peter Mandelson before having to sack him as ambassador. The PM has consistently looked the other way when it comes to Mandelson's past."
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has urged Starmer to introduce legislation to strip Mandelson of his peerage, noting it as the only viable method. Davey asserted, "It's time now for the government to take immediate action by bringing forward legislation to strip Peter Mandelson of his peerage. It is the very least they can do for the victims and survivors of his friend Jeffrey Epstein."
Mandelson's Resignation and Financial Allegations
Peter Mandelson resigned his membership of the Labour party on Sunday night, citing a desire to avoid causing "further embarrassment" after additional revelations about his friendship with Epstein. Labour confirmed that disciplinary action was already underway prior to his resignation.
Newly released documents by the US Department of Justice suggest that Epstein sent Mandelson $75,000 in three separate payments, and that Mandelson's husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, requested £10,000 from Epstein in September 2009 to fund an osteopathy course. Mandelson has stated he has no recollection of these financial transactions.
In response to the allegations, Mandelson said, "Allegations which I believe to be false that he made financial payments to me 20 years ago, and of which I have no record or recollection, need investigating by me." He emphasised his commitment to addressing these issues while stepping back from the Labour party.
Broader Implications for UK Politics and Lords Reform
The current legislation for removing a peer has not been utilised since the First World War, with the government deeming it too complex for immediate use against Mandelson. Insiders hope Mandelson will voluntarily step down from the Lords, but regardless, there is a push for swift changes to the disciplinary process to prevent similar controversies in the future.
This scandal underscores ongoing debates about accountability and transparency in UK politics, particularly within the House of Lords. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on ensuring justice for Epstein's victims and upholding public trust in governmental institutions.
