Peter Mandelson

Peter Benjamin Mandelson, Baron Mandelson, is a British Labour Party politician who served as European Commissioner for Trade from 2004 to 2008 and held multiple cabinet positions under Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. He was Member of Parliament for Hartlepool from 1992 to 2004 and co-founded the lobbying firm Global Counsel in 2010. In the Epstein archive, Mandelson appears in 6,277 emails spanning from 2002 to 2016, making him one of the most frequently corresponding individuals in the network. The correspondence documents an extensive personal and professional relationship that continued after Epstein's 2008 conviction and included discussions of UK government policy, Mandelson's post-government career plans, political advice, and social arrangements.

Mandelson's relationship with Epstein became the subject of significant public scrutiny when he was appointed UK Ambassador to the United States in February 2025, leading to his dismissal in September 2025 after additional emails were published showing the depth of the relationship. Among the materials that surfaced was Mandelson's 10-page letter to Epstein for his 50th birthday calling him "my best pal", which was included in a birthday book alongside letters from Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, Leon Black, Alan Dershowitz, Les Wexner, and Vera Wang. This birthday book was released through a congressional subpoena to the House Oversight Committee, with the Wall Street Journal breaking the story on September 8, 2025. In February 2026, UK police opened a criminal investigation into whether Mandelson leaked sensitive government information to Epstein.

Background#

Peter Mandelson was born on October 21, 1953, into Labour Party royalty — his grandfather was Herbert Morrison, a cabinet minister in Clement Attlee's 1945 government. He began working for Labour in the 1980s and served as the party's Director of Campaigns and Communications from 1985 to 1990, playing a key role in the party's modernization. Mandelson was a principal architect of "New Labour" alongside Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, helping propel Blair to victory in the 1997 general election.

His ministerial career was marked by turbulence. He served as Minister without Portfolio in 1997-1998, but resigned twice from Blair's cabinet — first in 1998 over an undisclosed home loan, and again in January 2001 over allegations related to a passport application (the Hinduja affair). After serving as EU Trade Commissioner from 2004 to 2008, Mandelson made a dramatic return to UK politics in 2008 when Gordon Brown, despite their historically strained relationship, appointed him First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, a position he held until Labour lost power in 2010.

In November 2010, Mandelson co-founded Global Counsel, a lobbying and advisory firm backed by WPP, with Benjamin Wegg-Prosser. The firm advised clients including Shell, Palantir, Alibaba, TikTok, and the UK private water industry. Mandelson sold his stake in the firm in 2025 following the Epstein email revelations. The Daily Mail and other outlets reported extensively on Mandelson's Epstein connections, with emails showing he called Epstein "my best pal" in a 50th birthday letter.

Correspondence with Epstein#

The archive documents sustained communication between Mandelson and Epstein from 2002 through at least 2016, with Mandelson sending 1,998 emails and receiving 4,256. The earliest substantive exchanges appear in 2002, when Mandelson was an MP, and continue through his tenure as EU Trade Commissioner (2004-2008), his return to the UK cabinet (2008-2010), and into his years at Global Counsel.

Early Relationship and Personal Dynamics (2002-2009)

The earliest archived emails reveal an intimate personal relationship mediated primarily through Ghislaine Maxwell, who appears to have introduced or facilitated the connection. In June 2002, Maxwell wrote playfully to Mandelson: "Pete, think of it this way, 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". When Mandelson wrote "I am feeling starved of contact", Maxwell replied with mock severity: "You spoiled Jeffrey's lunch. Pete I have warned you about that before. Behave or you will be punished like the bad boy you are".

In September 2002, Mandelson wrote to Maxwell during what appears to have been a personal crisis related to his political exile after the January 2001 Hinduja resignation: "Been back a few days from Asia and got your message on my mobile. I will phone. At the moment I feel so low that I can hardly communicate but I will pull myself together in due course. Hope you are well, both of you. Missing you". Maxwell responded: "Pete, what is wrong, I am here for you. Call me - Clinton sd he will do what you want at the conference", referencing Bill Clinton's planned appearance at the Labour Party conference in Blackpool in October 2002. Maxwell also wrote: "Ok, I fell unloved. You did not respond to my e mail re CLinton and you seeing him at Blackpool". This suggests that Clinton's conference appearance was being arranged through Epstein and Maxwell as a favor to help Mandelson's political rehabilitation.

Maxwell wrote about travel arrangements: "JE and I will be in Europe coming w/Clinton that week of the 1st Oct and we would love to" see Mandelson. She also coordinated logistics: "I am flying my helicopter from PB to the Island arriving tom - I can call you when I land to discuss plans w/you + act. for the money", referring to travel from Palm Beach to Little St. James.

Relationship Continues Post-Conviction (2008-2010)

The archive provides unambiguous evidence that Mandelson maintained close contact with Epstein after Epstein's June 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. In October 2009, more than a year after the conviction, Epstein wrote to Mandelson: "if you married prince andrew, you would be forced to resign your peerage, and then be prime minister". Mandelson replied: "It's a deal". The joking, intimate tone demonstrates that the conviction had not altered the character of their relationship.

Critically, in November 2009, while Mandelson was serving as Business Secretary, Epstein sent him an instruction about secrecy: "I never mention you to Landon.. keep it that way". Mandelson replied simply: "Ok". This exchange shows both parties understood the relationship needed to be kept secret, almost certainly because of Epstein's conviction. The identity of "Landon" remains unclear from the archive but appears to be someone in Epstein's business or social circle.

Notably, no emails in the archive show Mandelson ever discussing, acknowledging, or expressing concern about Epstein's 2008 conviction. The correspondence continues with unchanged intimacy and frequency across the 2008 divide. This suggests Mandelson made a deliberate decision to maintain the relationship despite the criminal proceedings.

In November 2016, years after Epstein's conviction, Epstein advised Mandelson on protecting their correspondence from publication: "peter, 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". This shows Epstein was prescient about the potential for their emails to be damaging if made public.

Political Advice During Government Service (2009-2010)

While serving as Business Secretary under Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Mandelson engaged with Epstein on sensitive UK political matters, sharing real-time strategic discussions about cabinet-level dynamics. In November 2009, during a period of internal Labour Party tension over Brown's leadership, Epstein provided sophisticated Machiavellian counsel. Mandelson wrote about his delicate position: "He will immed push panic button - highly sensitised to movement of my eyebrow", referring to Brown's sensitivity to any perceived disloyalty. Epstein advised: "tell gb you see the winds blowing and you are loyal ,first second and third... it actually is true, i don;t suggest you tell him to step down, i tell him you arc his friend and am frustrated as much as he". Mandelson confided he was "Talking to him tonight but he has said I sd facilitate not initiate".

Epstein's strategic advice was detailed and psychologically sophisticated: "he would be stressed not knowing what you really think, his fear of your unknown move will drive him to start to undermine you, just in case" and "I know you are aware that there are voices that are getting louder about the difficulty we face... if you make believe everything is ok, he will lose trust in you. He knows, he knows you know, and he knows you know he knows you know". In the same thread, Epstein also wrote: "are you sure the backpressure from you lack of sex is not turning your brain into fois gras". This remark demonstrates extraordinary personal intimacy. Epstein also asked: "while bens view might bolster yours. what does tony say?", referencing Benjamin Wegg-Prosser (Mandelson's future business partner) and Tony Blair, showing Epstein was aware of and engaged with the full network of Labour insiders.

Epstein also advised on Mandelson's public image. In April 2010, after a television appearance, Epstein wrote: "He needs to look the part. solid. authority, in a period of turmoil. dark suit. gravitas. Everyone wants change, embrace it. one corrects a course, considers step by step modifications. especially in a period of gragility".

Epstein as Intermediary in Official Government Business

Perhaps most remarkably, the archive shows Epstein functioning as a gatekeeper and editor for official correspondence directed to Mandelson in his capacity as Business Secretary. In November 2009, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman of DP World, sent Epstein a formal letter addressed to "The Rt Hon Lord Mandelson, Secretary of State for Business" regarding London Gateway Port funding. Sulayem wrote to Epstein: "Dear Jeffrey I am sending this to Peter in the next 20 mnts". Epstein then made "SMALL EDITS" to the letter before it was forwarded to Mandelson. This demonstrates that a convicted sex offender was editing official government correspondence and acting as an intermediary in UK government business dealings.

Book Manuscript and Editorial Input (2010)

A particularly striking aspect of the correspondence involves Epstein's detailed editorial work on Mandelson's memoir "The Third Man," published in July 2010. Multiple emails from June 2010 show Epstein reviewing and critiquing draft chapters. On June 14, 2010, Epstein wrote: "i like it... I don't like This book is part candid autobiography and part history and describes what motivated me and made me tick as I played(PLAYED) 'third man' to two Prime Ministers", offering line-by-line edits. Mandelson responded: "so if I re-do the beginning, you like the rest?".

Epstein's assistant forwarded an invitation to Epstein for "the HarperCollins launch of The Third Man by Peter Mandelson", and another email noted "Peter Mandelson's will be sending you his book via Fed Ex to the Palm Beach house".

Post-Government Career Planning (2010)

As Mandelson's government service ended in May 2010, the correspondence shows Epstein involved in discussions about his future employment. In July 2010, Mandelson wrote: "I am getting very anxious about how I am going to earn my living from August 13!" after forwarding an email from JP Morgan's Jes Staley. Earlier, he had messaged: "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. Thinks that prob a European better than US bank as I can leverage my EU contacts".

In July 2010, Mandelson reported meeting with the 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!". He was also in discussions with Deutsche Bank: "Deutsche seeking initial response next week", with mentions of meeting "Glen", possibly a Deutsche Bank contact.

Global Counsel Era and Business Dealings (2010-2016)

After founding Global Counsel in November 2010, Mandelson continued corresponding with Epstein and providing him with detailed information about his business activities. In May 2012, Epstein explicitly asked Mandelson for business introductions: "I think you should consider introducing me to anyone you think could be a huge business participant. I would like to be helpful to you. Closing and getting paid is a skill that takes years". Mandelson replied: "Tell me about it... I will think". This shows Epstein was seeking to leverage Mandelson's connections for business opportunities.

On the same day in May 2012, Mandelson forwarded to Epstein a detailed Global Counsel briefing paper analyzing Greece's potential exit from the eurozone, adding: "This may interest you. I have the EU competition commissioner coming for dinner tonight". This demonstrates Mandelson was sharing proprietary policy analysis with Epstein while also disclosing his upcoming meetings with active EU officials.

In April 2013, Mandelson provided Epstein with an extraordinarily detailed briefing on Global Counsel's business pipeline and financial situation: "Global Counsel is successfully established as advisory business, income reasonable, pays the huge mortgage etc. Sister company, Global Counsel Advisory is FSA regulated to deal in transactions". He detailed specific deals: fundraising for Ellis Short and Lone Star, a mandate to "secure Qatari investor", and African deals with "Mahmoud Thiam, who is well connected, and an Angolan who is even better connected". He also stated: "I am also likely to be more engaged in Russia" and noted: "But need capital in addition to fees". This level of detail suggests financial constraints and potential openness to Epstein's business assistance.

In July 2012, Mandelson and Epstein discussed Barclays chairman Marcus Agius following Bob Diamond's resignation. Mandelson described Agius: "He's ex chair of Lazard. Upper crust, remote". Epstein asked "how close are you and agius?". Mandelson then shared a detailed Global Counsel "Insight note" on UK banking regulation, which Epstein subsequently forwarded to Jes Staley at JP Morgan ([vol00009-efta01179140-pdf]). This pattern shows Epstein using Mandelson's political intelligence as currency with his own banking contacts.

Mandelson also shared pre-publication editorial content with Epstein. In May 2012, he forwarded a draft Guardian article co-authored with Ed Balls (then Shadow Chancellor) on EU economic policy, seeking Epstein's feedback before publication ([vol00009-efta00647710-pdf]).

In 2011, Epstein invited Mandelson to Paris: "steve.. I am in paris, would you and lawrence want to stop by,? peter mandelson will be here tonight at 8". In January 2012, Mandelson wrote: "Still looking forward to seeing me? I arrive at gare du nord at 5 30", referring to an apparent planned visit.

In 2013, Epstein's assistant invited prominent figures to a dinner party at Epstein's Manhattan townhouse: "Peter Mandelson and Ehud Barak are among the dinner guests", with invitations sent to Eric Schmidt and Walter Isaacson.

Final Exchanges and Prince Andrew Reference (2016)

The final substantive exchanges in the archive come from November 2016, around the time of Donald Trump's election. On November 6, 2016, Mandelson praised Trump's political skill: "By way, as political practitioner, donald is phenomenal. The craft and tenacity are amazing". Epstein agreed it was "his to win" before Trump lost due to "skill and experience lacking unfortunately".

In the same November 2016 thread, Mandelson asked: "How is sarah (not fergie)?". The question shows familiarity with Epstein's social circle, with the parenthetical distinguishing someone named Sarah from Sarah Ferguson (Duchess of York). In a revealing exchange, Epstein wrote: "in hindsight. you were right about staying away from andrew. I was right in your staying with rinaldo", referencing Prince Andrew and Reinaldo Avila Da Silva, Mandelson's long-term romantic partner. This confirms that Mandelson had previously warned Epstein about maintaining a relationship with Prince Andrew—significant because it shows Mandelson recognized the danger of Andrew's association with Epstein but chose to maintain his own relationship. The comment also reveals Epstein had given Mandelson personal relationship advice about Reinaldo, demonstrating the depth of their personal intimacy.

Connections#

Mandelson's correspondence intersects with numerous other individuals in Epstein's network. His primary connection was Ghislaine Maxwell, with whom he shared 65 emails. Maxwell served as an intermediary and social coordinator, arranging meetings and travel. The emails show a playful, familiar dynamic, with Maxwell writing in June 2002: "do not be disgusting" and "Suffice it to say that neither me not mine will lead to the third spill. You know what they say though. 3rd time lucky?", referencing Mandelson's two prior cabinet resignations.

Mandelson had 23 shared emails with Jes Staley, then CEO of J.P. Morgan's investment bank. In July 2010, as Mandelson was leaving government, he forwarded Staley's message to Epstein and noted "Nice guy, jes". Staley had written about Mandelson's book reception: "You should feel great about the book's reception. Amazing. If I can ever help on your next chapter, please let me know". The archive also shows Epstein forwarding Mandelson's Global Counsel banking analysis to Staley, demonstrating how Epstein leveraged Mandelson's political intelligence within his financial network.

Mandelson appears in correspondence with several other Epstein associates including Boris Nikolic, Eva Dubin, Reinaldo Avila Da Silva, and Desmond Shum. In September 2010, Epstein suggested Mandelson "email boris, he just took off from d.c." regarding China connections. In June 2010, Epstein wrote to Mandelson copying Eva Dubin: "my god daughter celina would love a tour of oxford. on sat.. can you arrange or i will have ghislaine do it".

A June 2020 letter to the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York specifically urged investigation of the Mandelson-Epstein-Prince Andrew triangle: "Epstein's associates, Andrew, Mandelson and Spacey had social or professional connexions with each other in England". The letter stated: "Mandelson's intimacy with Epstein lasted over a period of years and he stayed in at least two of Epstein's properties, including the New York mansion" and noted "On one stay he was accompanied by his partner Reinaldo Avila da Silva, who might also repay interview". The author speculated: "I would not be surprised if Epstein offered the services of men or boys to those of his guests whom he thought might enjoy them", though acknowledged "Mandelson may have no relevant information about Epstein's sexual crimes but he may have some about his business and financial dealings".

Visits to Epstein Properties#

The archive and related documents provide evidence of visits to multiple Epstein properties:

Little St. James island: A Daily Mail article from March 2011 by estate managers Miles and Cathy Alexander, who worked at Little St. James from 1999-2007, explicitly confirms: "Peter Mandelson holidayed there with his long-term boyfriend Reinaldo, who suffered sunburn and whined about it 'like a baby', says Cathy". This is a direct eyewitness account of Mandelson visiting the island with Reinaldo Avila da Silva. The same article notes the estate managers observed "beautiful girls who paraded about the house topless or naked" and "some girls who I thought were very young-looking — about 16 or 17 easily", providing context about the environment at the property during the period of Mandelson's visit. Maxwell's 2002 reference to flying "my helicopter from PB to the Island" when discussing calling Mandelson aligns with coordination of such visits.

Manhattan townhouse: Epstein hosted at least one documented dinner in April 2013 at his New York residence where "Peter Mandelson and Ehud Barak are among the dinner guests", with invitations sent to Eric Schmidt and Walter Isaacson, though the archive does not confirm whether Mandelson actually attended. The June 2020 letter to the US Attorney states Mandelson "stayed in at least two of Epstein's properties, including the New York mansion".

Paris apartment: Multiple references indicate Mandelson visited or planned to visit Epstein's Paris residence. In November 2011, Mandelson messaged "In paris just passing your apartment". In January 2012, he wrote "Still looking forward to seeing me? I arrive at gare du nord at 5 30", referring to an apparent planned visit. An email from Epstein's staff discusses coordinating "Eduardo and Peter Mandelson" for a Paris visit in January 2012, with Lesley Groff writing: "I will send Valdson an email about Eduardo and Peter Mandelson just so he has a heads up", referring to Valdson, Epstein's Paris household manager. In April 2011, Epstein invited contacts to Paris, noting "peter mandelson will be here tonight at 8".

Palm Beach residence: No specific documented visits found in the archive, though Mandelson's book was sent via FedEx to "the Palm Beach house" in July 2010.

New Mexico ranch: Public reporting by the Daily Mail shows photographic evidence of Mandelson at Epstein's New Mexico ranch in 2006, but no corroborating evidence for this visit was found in the email archive itself.

Document References#

Mandelson appears in numerous DOJ-released documents beyond the email correspondence. Several documents capture his involvement in business matters while still serving as Business Secretary, including correspondence with Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem of DP World regarding "London Gateway Port & Park" development in November 2009, where Epstein appears to have edited the letter before it was sent to Mandelson.

Documents show the exchange of Mandelson's contact information, with one contact card listing his mobile, home, and work details being forwarded through Epstein's network. When the numbers initially didn't appear, an email notes "sorry.. not sure wh the numbers didn't come up" followed by the mobile and home numbers.

A January 2012 email from Lesley Groff discusses travel arrangements: "I think [redacted] might be in Europe, I am going to see if I can get hold of her today. I dont want him to [x] be alone!", then adds "I will send Valdson an email about Eduardo and Peter Mandelson just so he has a heads up", referring to coordination with Epstein's Paris household manager regarding Mandelson's visit.

An April 2015 email from David Stern forwards an announcement to Epstein: "Lord Peter Mandelson has joined the advisory board of Sapinda Holding B.V." with German businessman Lars Windhorst. Stern's commentary: "German fraud collecting billionaires".

An FBI interview with pilot David Rodgers (February 7, 2020) extensively reviewed flight logs and passenger manifests covering 1991-2007 ([vol00009-efta00159180-pdf]). Mandelson is not mentioned by name in the reviewed portions of the pilot interview. The pilot's testimony notes that after February 2007, he "was instructed/advised to stop" recording passenger names, which would explain the absence of later flight records.

Victim Correspondence and Investigations#

Multiple documents from 2025-2026 consist of emails from an Epstein victim (identified as Sarah Ransome based on her email address [email protected] in other documents) to UK authorities and journalists demanding investigation of Mandelson. In March 2025, she wrote: "Thank you to the Daily Mail for your recent investigation into Peter Mandelson. It's amazing what you find when you do your job instead of bullying rape victims". She demanded: "SO WHEN ARE WE GOING TO GET [redacted] AND PETER MANDELSON ON THE STAND!! WHY DO I GET TO LOSE EVERYTHING, AND THEY LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER????" and stated: "NOW I FIND OUT THAT PETER MANDELSON WAS ALSO EMAILING [redacted]!!!! WTF??", demanding to know "WHERE IS THE EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN MANDELSON AND [redacted]!!".

In another March 2025 email, she linked Mandelson to the broader Epstein network: "THIS OBVIOUSLY TIES IN WITH PETER MANDELSON, JES STAYELY ETC!" and demanded Daily Mail journalist Daniel Bates tell the FCA "EVERYTHING YOU KNOW ABOUT PETER MANDELSON AND WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT JES STALEY AND ADAM CASTELLANI". She also referenced "Lesley Groff and co" as employees of the trafficking operation and stated "I want a full investigation into Peter Mandelson".

An email from journalist Daniel Bates sent in February 2025 states: "the Daily Mail would be interested in speaking to you about what you remember about Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein... I think this is a really important story given Mandelson's role as UK ambassador to the US".

The September 2025 FBI News Briefing summarizing Wall Street Journal reporting notes that Mandelson's "10-page letter calling Epstein 'my best pal'" was included in Epstein's 50th birthday book alongside letters from Trump, Clinton, Leon Black, Alan Dershowitz, Les Wexner, Vera Wang, and others. The birthday book was "handed over after a congressional subpoena" to the House Oversight Committee. The WSJ report broke on September 8, 2025, the day before Mandelson's dismissal as UK Ambassador to the United States, providing the immediate context for his removal from the post.