UK will release files related to Mandelson’s appointment in more Epstein fallout

LONDON — The British government has agreed to disclose emails and other documents shedding light on the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States despite his association with Jeffrey Epstein.

This decision follows the opposition Conservative Party’s threat to call for a parliamentary vote demanding the release of emails and other correspondences related to Mandelson’s appointment in 2024. Critics argue that his close ties to Epstein should have disqualified him from the role, even though the extent of their relationship was known at the time.

The government has agreed to share the requested information unless it poses a risk to U.K. national security or international relations. The extent and timing of the release of these documents remain uncertain.

Mandelson, 72, was dismissed in September from his position as ambassador to Washington after it was revealed that he maintained a friendship with Epstein following the latter’s conviction for sex offenses involving a minor.

Recently, Mandelson resigned from the House of Lords and is under investigation by the police for alleged misconduct in public office, prompted by a release of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice suggesting that he may have shared sensitive information with Epstein during his tenure as a government minister fifteen years ago.

The newly revealed files indicate that in 2009, Mandelson informed Epstein that he would advocate for reducing a tax on bankers’ bonuses and shared an internal government report on a potential sale of U.K. government assets. Additionally, he allegedly disclosed information about an imminent bailout of the European single currency to Epstein the following year.

Furthermore, the documents suggest that between 2003 and 2004, Epstein made three payments totaling $75,000 to accounts associated with Mandelson or his partner Reinaldo Avila da Silva.

Misconduct in public office carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. However, the initiation of an investigation does not guarantee that Mandelson will be arrested, charged, or convicted.

A request for comment on the disclosed documents was sent to Mandelson via the House of Lords.

Epstein took his own life in a jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges of sexually abusing numerous girls.