Mandelson Claims No Memory of Epstein Payments as Political Storm Intensifies
Lord Peter Mandelson has publicly stated he has no recollection or record of receiving payments totalling $75,000 from convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of documents by the US Department of Justice. The former Labour minister and EU trade commissioner faces mounting political pressure to testify before the US Congress about his connections to the disgraced financier.
Questioning Document Authenticity
A spokesperson for Lord Mandelson told Sky News that neither he nor his husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, has any memory of receiving the alleged payments in 2003 or 2004. The peer has raised serious questions about the authenticity of the documents, pointing to what he describes as multiple formatting errors, incorrect beneficiary details, and questionable US-dollar cheque payments into UK bank accounts.
"I would like JP Morgan to confirm on the record that they are certain these documents are authentic," Lord Mandelson stated. "Until this fact checking has been achieved I maintain my original position which is that I have no record and no recollection of ever receiving these sums."
Document Details and Political Context
The released documents suggest three separate payments of $25,000 were allegedly made to accounts connected to Lord Mandelson:
- The first payment on 14 May 2003 was reportedly sent to a Barclays account held by his partner
- Two further payments appear in June 2004, with one naming Peter Mandelson as account holder
- These dates coincide with Mandelson serving as Labour MP for Hartlepool
In August 2004, shortly after the alleged payments, Mandelson was appointed as the UK's EU commissioner, marking a significant step in his political career.
Growing Calls for Congressional Testimony
Pressure is intensifying for both Lord Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to provide testimony to the US Congress regarding their Epstein connections. Housing Secretary Steve Reed emphasised the moral obligation for anyone with relevant information to come forward.
"If anybody has information or evidence that they can share that might help to understand what's gone on and bring justice for these victims then they should share it," Reed stated during an interview on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips.
Trevor Phillips's Blunt Assessment
Broadcaster Trevor Phillips, who describes himself as a friend of nearly 50 years, delivered a stark message to Lord Mandelson during his programme. Phillips suggested Mandelson had been "at best naive and foolish, at worst greedy and duplicitous" in his dealings with Epstein.
"Whatever is true as far as politics and public office are concerned, for Peter Mandelson, this is the end," Phillips declared, suggesting the political career of the New Labour grandee has effectively concluded.
Further Revelations and Policy Influence
The latest document release reveals additional connections between Epstein and Mandelson's circle:
- In December 2009, while serving as business secretary, Mandelson was reportedly "trying hard" to change government policy on bankers' bonuses at Epstein's request
- Correspondence from September 2009 shows Epstein discussing financial support for Mandelson's husband's osteopathy course
- Lord Mandelson acknowledges his husband received a $10,000 loan from Epstein during his time as a senior cabinet minister
Political Fallout and Official Responses
The revelations have prompted significant political consequences:
- Lord Mandelson was dismissed as UK ambassador to the United States following previous Epstein-related disclosures
- There are now calls for him to be stripped of his peerage
- Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp has called for both Mandelson and Andrew to provide "all the assistance they possibly can" to investigators
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has declined to comment further on the matter
Lord Mandelson has previously offered an unequivocal apology to Epstein's victims, while maintaining there is no suggestion he has done anything unlawful. The political establishment now watches closely as pressure builds for congressional testimony that could further illuminate the extent of Epstein's influence within British political circles.
