New Jeffrey Epstein Emails Trigger UK Political Scrutiny of Peter Mandelson

A significant batch of newly released emails from the Jeffrey Epstein files has intensified scrutiny of UK political figures, centering on former Cabinet minister Peter Mandelson. The correspondence, spanning several years, reveals a close personal and professional relationship between Mandelson and the convicted financier, even while Epstein was under house arrest.

The email disclosures show Mandelson sought Epstein's advice on personal and political matters, shared sensitive government information, and allegedly coordinated with the financier to influence economic policy. In one notable exchange from December 2009, while Mandelson served as Business Secretary, he suggested that JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon should "mildly threaten" then-Chancellor Alistair Darling over a proposed tax on bankers' bonuses. Other emails indicate Mandelson forwarded a confidential government note to Epstein regarding UK asset sales and tax plans.

The political fallout has been swift. The Scottish National Party (SNP) has formally reported Mandelson to police, calling for an investigation. Labour leader Keir Starmer has expelled Mandelson from the party and launched an internal inquiry into his conduct as a minister, stating he should also lose his seat in the House of Lords. Mandelson has defended his actions, stating his government conversations reflected the financial sector's broader views, not the influence of a single individual.