UK’s Lord Mandelson resigns from Labour Party amid Epstein case links
2026-02-02 - 06:26
LONDON – British politician Lord Peter Mandelson has resigned from the Labour Party after his name surfaced in newly released documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case, saying that he did not want to cause further embarrassment to the party. Lord Mandelson said he stepped down to avoid becoming a political liability as controversy grew over the disclosure of files related to the late, convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to the media reports citing recently released US documents, Epstein allegedly generated £55,000 for Lord Mandelson. The files claim that between 2003 and 2004, Epstein arranged the transfer of funds using Lord Mandelson’s reference. The reports further allege that Epstein made three separate payments of $25,000 each. Reacting to the claims, Lord Mandelson said he had no record of receiving any such payments and did not recall the transactions. He also questioned the authenticity of the documents, stating that he was unaware whether the files were genuine. The revelations have triggered renewed international scrutiny following the release of Epstein-related records, which have named several political and public figures across different countries. Modi’s name surfaces in Epstein files, Indian opposition seeks explanation Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name also surfaced in documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, triggering sharp criticism from India’s main opposition party, the Congress. According to Indian media reports, the Congress party said any alleged association between Modi and the disgraced financier is “deeply mbarrassing” for the country and has demanded a clear explanation from the prime minister. The party cited an email attributed to Epstein in which he allegedly claimed that Modi sought his advice and later traveled to Israel. The email further alleged that Modi engaged in activities in Israel that were portrayed as being for the benefit of US President Donald Trump at that time. Congress leaders said Modi visited Israel from July 4 to 6, 2017, and claimed the email in question was written three days after the visit. They added that Modi had met Trump in the United States in June 2017, prior to the Israel trip, and argued that these timelines raised questions about what they described as a “long-standing and deep” connection between Modi and Epstein. The opposition party said the matter concerns national dignity and India’s international reputation, and called on the prime minister to clarify what kind of “advice” he allegedly sought from Epstein, why the visit to Israel was described in the email as “successful,” and what benefit, if any, was claimed for the former US president. Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected the claims. In a statement, ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Prime Minister Modi’s official visit to Israel in July 2017 is a matter of public record, but dismissed the remaining references in the email as “baseless and the frivolous thoughts of a convicted criminal.” Epstein Records reveal Elon Musk scheduled for visit to notorious ‘Pedo Island’