Another tough name is leaving the political scene after new revelations in the Epstein files
Former UK Ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson. Credit line: Jonathan Brady / PA Images / Profimedia
“I don't want to cause any more embarrassment,” said the former UK ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, who announced his resignation from the Labor Party on Sunday, according to the BBC.
Peter Mandelson's resignation was precipitated by new US Justice Department documents which suggest Epstein transferred $75,000 to accounts associated with the British politician between 2003 and 2004.
Mandelson strongly denies the allegations, saying he has no knowledge of these transactions during his time as an MP and that the veracity of the US documents is uncertain.
“This weekend new links emerged between me and the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, which is understandable, and I regret that,” Mandelson said in a letter to Labor Party general secretary Hollie Ridley, according to a press release issued on Sunday.
“Allegations that I believe to be false, that he made payments to me 20 years ago, of which I have no evidence and no recollection, must be investigated by me,” Mandelson added. “While doing so, I do not wish to cause further embarrassment to the Labor Party and therefore stand down as a member of the party.”
Mandelson was sacked as Britain's ambassador to Washington in September by Prime Minister Keir Starmer after emails leaked to the media showed he had sent messages of support to Epstein in 2008, even as he was accused of sex offenses against a minor.
Last month, the politician said he was wrong to continue working with Epstein and apologized “unequivocally” to Epstein's victims.
In his statement on Sunday, Mandelson reiterated his regret and explained that severing ties with the Labor Party was a final gesture of political loyalty: “I have dedicated my life to the values and success of this party and by this decision I believe I am acting in its best interests.”
In an official response, a spokesman for the Labor Party stated that all allegations are being treated with the utmost seriousness and will be thoroughly investigated in full accordance with the internal procedures of the party led by Keir Starmer.
