Mandelson Must Be Stripped of His Peerage

The latest release of files by the US Department of Justice raises deeply serious concerns about the conduct of Lord Mandelson while serving in public office.

The documents suggest that Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted paedophile, made payments totalling $75,000 to Peter Mandelson through three separate transactions in 2003 and 2004. They also indicate that Mandelson sought to influence Government policy on a proposed tax on bankers’ bonuses, following requests from Epstein.

In response, Lord Mandelson has resigned his membership of the Labour Party, saying he does not wish to cause “further embarrassment”. That is totally insufficient.

It is time now for the Government to take immediate action by bringing forward legislation to strip Peter Mandelson of his peerage. This is the very least they can do for the victims and survivors of his friend Jeffrey Epstein. If Mandelson has any shame left, he should retire from the House of Lords immediately while this process gets underway.

The Epstein files also suggest that Peter Mandelson leaked sensitive government information to a convicted sex offender while serving as a minister, and even suggested that a US bank should threaten the Government in order to lower its tax bill.

These allegations are incredibly serious. They go far beyond reputational damage and raise the possibility of misconduct in public office. It is now only right that the police investigate Peter Mandelson fully and independently.

Public confidence in politics depends on accountability. No one, regardless of status or seniority, should be above the law.