British politician Peter Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party following new allegations that he received payments from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein two decades ago, marking another high-profile casualty from the ongoing document releases surrounding the deceased financier.
Document Revelations Force Resignation
The U.S. Department of Justice released over 3 million pages of documents relating to Epstein, prompting Mandelson’s Sunday resignation from the governing Labour Party. The former British ambassador to Washington stepped down to avoid causing “further embarrassment” while denying the payment allegations. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who previously fired Mandelson from his ambassadorial position over earlier Epstein connections, now demands his resignation from the House of Lords.
Mandelson received his life appointment to Parliament’s upper chamber in 2008, along with the noble title Lord Mandelson. Removing him without voluntary resignation would require new legislation, a process last used over a century ago during World War I. Starmer’s spokesman, Tom Wells, stated the prime minister believes Mandelson should not remain in the House of Lords but lacks direct removal authority.
Calls for U.S. Testimony
Cabinet minister Steve Reed declared both Mandelson and Prince Andrew have a “moral obligation” to assist Epstein’s victims by testifying in American courts. Reed emphasized that anyone possessing information that could help victims achieve justice should come forward. The pressure extends beyond political circles, with multiple officials demanding transparency from all individuals connected to Epstein’s network.
"TO US HE'S JUST PETER"
Keir Starmer referring to his friend Peter Mandelson
Peter Mandelson should be in jail
Keir Starmer should be on trialThey're all in this together
Disgusting pic.twitter.com/qu0WzNRMAE— Basil the Great (@BasilTheGreat) February 3, 2026
Political Implications
This scandal represents another significant blow to British politics, following previous revelations about powerful figures’ connections to Epstein. The document release continues exposing relationships between the disgraced financier and prominent individuals across politics and business. Mandelson’s resignation highlights how past associations with Epstein continue generating political consequences years after his death, potentially affecting international diplomatic relationships and domestic political stability in Britain.