Peter Benjamin Mandelson, Baron Mandelson (b. 1953), is a British Labour politician, one of the chief architects of "New Labour," who served as Member of Parliament for Hartlepool, twice as a Cabinet minister under Tony Blair, as European Commissioner for Trade (2004–2008), and as Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (2008–2010). Elevated to the House of Lords in 2008, he subsequently founded the political consultancy Global Counsel.
The Epstein archive contains over 6,000 emails between Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein spanning from 2002 to at least November 2016, making this one of the most extensive and consequential relationships documented in the collection. The correspondence reveals that Mandelson: visited Epstein's private Caribbean island; was kept informed of Epstein's criminal prosecution and sexual abuse allegations — including detailed accounts of trafficking and surveillance — yet maintained the friendship throughout; engaged in sexually suggestive banter and discussions referencing blackmail vulnerability; provided real-time political intelligence from inside the British government to a convicted sex offender; relied on Epstein as a career adviser and deal-broker during his post-ministerial transition into finance; and introduced Epstein to Chinese and Russian business contacts. The relationship endured unbroken for at least fourteen years, through Epstein's arrest, conviction, and the escalating public revelations about his sex trafficking operation.
Background#
Peter Mandelson first entered Parliament as MP for Hartlepool in 1992 and became a defining figure in the modernization of the Labour Party. He served as Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1998) and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1999–2001), resigning from both posts amid controversy. He was appointed European Commissioner for Trade in 2004 and returned to the Cabinet as Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills in 2008–2010. He was created Baron Mandelson of Foy and Hartlepool in 2008. After leaving government, he founded Global Counsel, a strategic advisory firm, and took on advisory roles with major financial institutions including Lazard. His long-term partner is Reinaldo Avila da Silva.
Correspondence with Epstein#
Ghislaine Maxwell and Early Contact (2002–2003)
Mandelson's connection to Epstein's network originated through Ghislaine Maxwell. In June 2002, the two exchanged a series of playful, intimate emails. Mandelson wrote: "I love disgusting. That's why I am wild and dangerous, and twice fallen." Maxwell replied: "Behave or you will be punished like the bad boy you are." When Mandelson complained "I am feeling starved of contact," Maxwell responded: "every time you do not hear from me it means that I am busy working to keep you to the style you have become accustomed to" (June 2002 exchange).
In a September 2002 exchange, Mandelson wrote to Maxwell: "I feel so low that I can hardly communicate... Missing you. Love P." Maxwell replied: "Pete, what is wrong, I am here for you. Call me — Clinton sd he will do what you want at the conference" (September 2002 exchange). By March 2003, Mandelson was writing to Maxwell about a New York speaking engagement, signing off "Much love" (March 2003 email).
In the June 2002 thread, Mandelson also raised business opportunities with Maxwell: "I think George Mitchell might have some ideas about political/business advice on Europe that I might give in NY/DC to companies he is associated with" — linking him to George Mitchell through Maxwell early in the relationship (June 2002 exchange).
Knowledge of Epstein's Criminal Prosecution (2006–2008)
While serving as EU Trade Commissioner, Mandelson was kept intimately informed of Epstein's criminal case and offered explicit support. In May 2006, Mandelson wrote: "I am following you closely and here whenever you need." Epstein replied with a detailed prosecutorial update: "the prosecutors office, has been deluged with publicity on Rush Limbaugh... we have a call into the lesbian, who has yet to return it this week... I took a polygraph, and of course passed with flying colrs... and was interviewed by two shrinks, same results" (May 2006 exchange).
When Epstein was sentenced to 18 months in June 2008, Mandelson — still EU Trade Commissioner — wrote an extraordinary message of support: "I think the world of you and I feel hopeless and furious about what has happened. I can still barely understand it. It just could not happen in Britain... Your friends stay with you and love you." Reinaldo had added that "everything can be turned into an opportunity" (June 2008 exchange).
"The Tip of an Iceberg" — Engaging with Abuse Allegations (2009–2011)
In November 2009, Epstein forwarded Mandelson a Google Alert containing an article about Scott Rothstein that referenced "numerous underaged girls who had sex with Palm Beach billionaire and convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein." Mandelson's response was striking in its strategic framing: "This is interesting but, as the tip of an iceberg, revealing the rest needs careful planning. What is the plan?" Epstein replied: "no plan yet.. Like you, unfortunately it is up to me" (November 2009 exchange; duplicate).
This exchange reveals that Mandelson characterized the published sex abuse allegations as merely "the tip of an iceberg" — implying knowledge of deeper, undisclosed misconduct — and engaged in strategic discussion about how to manage the information.
In March 2011, Epstein forwarded Mandelson an extraordinary document: a media inquiry from the Mail on Sunday to Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyers containing 14 detailed questions about sexual abuse allegations. These included that Maxwell "offered her a job as a masseuse with Jeffrey Epstein when she was aged 15"; that Maxwell "kept sex toys and costumes" and directed sexual encounters; that victims were "required to have sex with friends of Ms Maxwell and Mr Epstein, including Glenn Dubin, Les Wexner, Ehud Barak, former Senator George Mitchell and Stephen Kosslyn"; that Prince Andrew had been involved in sexual encounters with underage girls arranged by Maxwell; and that "Mr Epstein's residences in Florida and New York had surveillance cameras that taped the sex sessions" (March 2011 forwarded inquiry).
Four days later, Epstein forwarded Mandelson a Vicky Ward article describing "the beautiful girls who paraded about the house topless or naked" and reporting: "now the women have come back. Not the same ones, different ones. And their stories are bone-chilling" (March 2011 Vicky Ward article).
Despite receiving these alarming and detailed disclosures about sex trafficking, surveillance filming, and the involvement of named public figures, Mandelson continued the relationship without interruption.
Sexually Suggestive Exchanges
Multiple exchanges contain sexual undertones. In July 2009, Epstein urged Mandelson toward "bold moves needed for september." Mandelson asked: "In what areas..? Policy, social or sexual?" Epstein replied: "all plus educational, financial — you have nothing to lose, it makes you even more powerful" (July 2009 exchange).
In October 2009, Epstein joked that Mandelson could become Prime Minister by marrying Princess Anne. When Mandelson said "I'll get straight on to it," Epstein replied: "you getting straight is too horrible to imagine," followed by: "I was referring to your appendage, not your proclivity" (October 2009 exchange; continuation).
In November 2009, during a discussion about Gordon Brown's political future, Epstein asked: "are you sure the backpressure from your lack of sex is not turning your brain into fois gras" (November 2009 exchange).
In May 2013, discussing Mandelson's attendance at an event in St. Petersburg, Epstein asked: "you mean its for gays." Mandelson responded: "Er no, tastet' models and dancing" (May 2013 exchange).
In December 2010, Epstein asked Mandelson to "find me a new assistant, multi lingaul, 22-25, wants to travel" (December 2010 exchange).
Blackmail References and "Careful Planning"
In January 2010, Epstein wrote to Mandelson about JPMorgan cancelling a London building project: "no, it was due to your tax, alone. and the worry of future blackmails." He continued: "I would like to think how YOU can use this to your advantage... careful planning req." (January 2010 exchange). The explicit reference to "future blackmails" and the strategic framing suggest Mandelson had known vulnerability, and that Epstein was aware of it.
Political Intelligence from Inside Government
Mandelson provided Epstein with real-time intelligence about British government deliberations at the highest level.
Coalition negotiations (May 2010): During the formation of the Conservative–Liberal Democrat coalition, Epstein texted "Well?" and Mandelson replied from inside the negotiations: "All day first with GB then with Libs. They are all pretty bonkers." Epstein offered political advice: "why not let tones govern with minority, no coalition cant get anything done" (May 2010 exchange). The next day, Epstein shared financial intelligence: "sources tell me 500 b euro bailout, almost complete." Mandelson confirmed: "Sd be announced tonight" (May 2010 exchange).
Handling Gordon Brown (November 2009): Epstein advised Mandelson on managing the Prime Minister: "not initiate, tell gb you see the winds blowing and you are loyal, first second and third... i don't suggest you tell him to step down." Mandelson replied: "He will immed push panic button — highly sensitised to movement of my eyebrow." In the same thread, Epstein opened with: "I never mention you to Landon.. keep it that way" — suggesting their relationship was deliberately kept secret from certain circles (November 2009 exchange).
Financial Career Facilitation
When Mandelson left government in 2010, Epstein served as his primary career adviser and deal-broker.
In July 2010, Mandelson forwarded Epstein a message from Jes Staley, then CEO of JPMorgan's Investment Bank, offering to help with "your next chapter," adding: "I am getting very anxious about how I am going to earn my living from August 13!" (July 2010 exchange).
In June 2010, Mandelson reported: "Just had three hour dinner with Lee Kuan Yew. He is prepared to help me in China. Thinks that I need a 'perch', a bank" (June 2010 exchange). He then forwarded Epstein a detailed offer from Deutsche Bank arranged by Martin Armstrong, proposing "a retainer of 1 million Dollars per annum and a discretionary bonus" with total compensation "somewhere between 4 and 10 million dollars per annum" for helping the bank "access Governments, Families and Corporations on an International basis" (Deutsche Bank offer).
In July 2010, Mandelson reported: "Just had lunch with RBS CEO. He says I should not worry too much about putting a little distance between govt and what I do next. I need to be sanitised!" (July 2010 exchange).
In September 2010, Mandelson told Epstein: "Had lunch with BS today. He said that of all the private equity funds I sd consider working with, the best in his view is Apollo." Epstein responded: "leon is on the phone to me every day" — a reference to Leon Black, CEO of Apollo Global Management (September 2010 exchange; duplicate).
By December 2010, Mandelson laid out his complete financial strategy to Epstein: "I told Lazard that I have been asked to do an event in China for JPM as well as a dinner in Hanoi for Barclays and an evening in London for HSBC." He explained: "At this stage in my post ministerial life, I am learning. But I am a quick learner. My aim is to acquire enough knowledge and networks in time to participate in real deals. I do not want to live by salary alone. That's why I need to do as much as possible to build with JPM" (December 2010 exchange).
China Brokering and Desmond Shum
Mandelson directly introduced Epstein to Desmond Shum, the Chinese businessman whose wife Whitney Duan was deeply connected to China's political elite. In February 2010, Mandelson described Epstein to Shum as "an unusual person. He has been hugely successful as an asset/wealth adviser and mover of markets; very plugged into, amongst others, JP Morgan; operates widely in the world of science and academe." Shum wrote to Mandelson about exploring "this private banking / wealth management idea" and a stake in "the largest asset management company in China" (February 2010 exchange).
In May 2011, Epstein explained to a third party: "I was introduced to Desmond by Peter Mandelson. Desmond is interested in Chinese Wealth Mgmt. His wife politically, strong. He developed the airport" (May 2011 email).
A China-focused investment platform proposal found in the archive — for an entity operating between Beijing, London, and New York — listed "Lord Mandelson" as a potential advisory board member alongside "Lord Powell of Bayswater" and "Edmund Stoiber" (JPMC strategy document).
Russian Connections
Mandelson brokered Epstein's introduction to a Russian figure identified as "Oleg." In November 2010, Epstein's assistant emailed a Russian contact: "I was given your email by Peter Mandelson. I'm writing to see what the possibilities are of Jeffrey and Oleg to meet in Moscow next week" (November 2010 email). In October 2011, Mandelson messaged Epstein from Moscow: "Sitting in club 35 in Moscow after manicure, pedicure, massage, swim, waiting for omelette. Call me..." (October 2011 exchange).
The Barclays-Staley Triangle
Mandelson, Epstein, and JPMorgan executive Jes Staley formed an interconnected communications triangle. In April 2013, all three attended a dinner at Epstein's New York residence alongside Woody Allen, Soon-Yi Previn, Ehud Barak, and Mort Zuckerman (April 2013 dinner confirmation).
During the July 2012 LIBOR scandal, Epstein forwarded Staley a detailed Global Counsel analytical note written by Mandelson's firm about the Barclays crisis and Bob Diamond's resignation (Global Counsel LIBOR note forwarded to Staley). Epstein had asked Mandelson: "what do you know of the libor scandal.. do you know the others at Barclays." Mandelson responded with insider knowledge that "The chairman, Agius, and the senior independent director, poss next chairman, Mike Rake" were the key remaining figures (July 2012 exchange).
Support for Reinaldo Avila da Silva
Epstein provided financial and logistical support to Mandelson's partner, Reinaldo Avila da Silva. In August 2009, Epstein discussed funding Reinaldo's osteopathy school tuition and a massage business near Farringdon in London, BCC'ing Mandelson. Reinaldo wrote to Epstein about scouting commercial spaces and reported that "the prices have fallen and flexibility in deals are much greater. So it looks as if we are in very good timing" (August 2009 exchange).
In November 2011, Epstein forwarded a request from Mandelson to staff with the instruction: "reinaldao needs an apt for a few days, peters boyfriend, please organize" (November 2011 exchange).
African Banking
Mandelson involved Epstein in a Congolese banking venture, forwarding him a detailed meeting report from January 2011 about creating a new commercial bank in Congo Brazzaville in partnership with Nedbank, with proposed shareholding of "51% Congolese Private Shareholders, 25% Nedbank, 24% Investors (Qatari and or others)" (January 2011 Nedbank report).
Epstein's Critique of Mandelson's Memoir
When Mandelson published his memoir The Third Man in 2010, Epstein read an advance copy and delivered blunt criticism: "I find it troubling. I think it will drive a commercial stake through your heart... businessmen will revolt... It is not uplifting, it is gossipy and defensive." He advised Mandelson to instead "champion your role as advisor counselor" for his next career phase (May 2010 book critique).
Continued Relationship Post-Conviction (2015–2016)
The relationship endured despite intensifying public scrutiny. In March 2015, Epstein wrote: "I guesss you were right that my association/friendship with andrew would come to no good deed. sultan is excited re you." Mandelson replied: "All well thanks. Time heals" (March 2015 exchange).
In November 2016 — days before the US presidential election — Epstein wished Mandelson happy birthday ("63 years old.. you made it") and reflected: "you were right about staying away from andrew. I was right in your staying with rinaldo." Mandelson confirmed: "Yes, without Andrew it would not have gone nuclear. Did you advise me to stay with R? Such a handful but loyal and never embarrassing" (November 2016 exchange; thread). Mandelson also praised Donald Trump's campaign: "as political practitioner, donald is phenomenal. The craft and tenacity are amazing" (November 2016 message).
In the same exchange, Epstein advised Mandelson on operational security: "in your disclaimer at the bottom of your emails you should add, copyright — all rights reserved. this makes it problematic for a newspaper to print without consent" (November 2016 advice).
Visits to Epstein Properties#
Little St. James Island: According to a Daily Mail article found in the archive, based on interviews with Cathy and Miles Alexander — who managed Epstein's island from 1999 to 2007 — "Peter Mandelson holidayed there with his long-term boyfriend Reinaldo, who suffered sunburn and whined about it 'like a baby', says Cathy." The Alexanders described young girls on the island who "looked like they had stepped out of an underwear catalogue" and "walked around with very few clothes on or lounged around by the pool with nothing on" (Daily Mail article in archive).
In October 2005, while serving as EU Trade Commissioner, Mandelson asked Epstein directly: "When are you going to the island at Xmas? I am having trouble getting air tickets to st barts... What are your plans and do I fit in to them?" Epstein replied: "all dec,,, I can pay for your tickets if needed" (October 2005 exchange).
New York residence: Mandelson attended a dinner at Epstein's New York home in April 2013 alongside Woody Allen, Soon-Yi Previn, Ehud Barak, Jes Staley, and Mort Zuckerman (April 2013 dinner).
Palm Beach directory: Mandelson was listed in Epstein's Palm Beach directory, confirmed by Juan Alessi during December 2021 trial preparation. Alessi specifically recognized Mandelson's name as one he recalled from the directory during his years managing the Palm Beach estate (Alessi trial prep notes).
Document References#
Juan Alessi trial preparation notes (December 2021): Alessi, who managed Epstein's Palm Beach estate from 1991 to 2002, specifically identified "Peter Mandelson" among names he recognized in Epstein's directory (GX-52) (Alessi prep notes).
Mail on Sunday media inquiry (March 2011): Detailed sexual abuse allegations against Ghislaine Maxwell, naming victims, co-conspirators, and surveillance operations, forwarded by Epstein directly to Mandelson (forwarded inquiry).
JPMC China strategy document: Proposal for a China-focused investment platform listing "Lord Mandelson" as a potential advisory board member (strategy document).
Deutsche Bank offer (June 2010): Detailed compensation proposal for Mandelson offering $1M–$10M annually, forwarded to Epstein (Deutsche Bank offer).
Global Counsel LIBOR analysis (July 2012): Mandelson's firm's proprietary analysis of the Barclays crisis, forwarded by Epstein to Jes Staley (LIBOR note).
Connections#
- Jeffrey Epstein — Over 5,600 emails; the primary relationship, spanning personal intimacy, political intelligence, career facilitation, and deal-brokering (2002–2016)
- Ghislaine Maxwell — 65 emails; the original point of entry into Epstein's network; intimate, playful correspondence from 2002
- Jes Staley — 23 emails; JPMorgan CEO who formed a communications triangle with Mandelson and Epstein; attended April 2013 dinner at Epstein's home
- Desmond Shum — 17 emails; Chinese businessman introduced to Epstein by Mandelson; explored wealth management and asset management ventures in China
- Rigobert Andely — 13 emails; Congolese banking project partner whose Nedbank reports Mandelson forwarded to Epstein
- Reinaldo Avila da Silva — 8 emails; Mandelson's long-term partner whose osteopathy education and massage business were financially supported by Epstein
- Leon Black — Referenced by Epstein as "on the phone to me every day" when Mandelson reported being advised to work with Apollo
- Ehud Barak — Co-guest at April 2013 dinner at Epstein's New York residence; named in sex abuse allegations forwarded to Mandelson
- George Mitchell — Referenced by Mandelson to Maxwell in June 2002 as a potential business contact; named in sex abuse allegations forwarded to Mandelson in 2011
- Woody Allen — Co-guest at April 2013 dinner
- Mort Zuckerman — Co-guest at April 2013 dinner
- Boris Nikolic — 9 emails in the archive with Mandelson