Lord Peter Mandelson is facing calls to testify before the U.S. Congress regarding his ties to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The request, issued by two Democratic members of the House of Representatives, centers on an ongoing investigation into Epstein’s operations and the extent of his network.
The controversy surrounding Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein has even sparked debate over the judgment of Sir Keir Starmer, with critics questioning his decision to appoint Mandelson as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States—a position widely considered the most prestigious diplomatic posting for a British envoy.
Representatives Robert Garcia and Suhas Subramanyam, in a letter addressed to Mandelson, stated that despite no longer holding the position of British ambassador and having stepped down from the House of Lords, he “possessed extensive social and business ties to Jeffrey Epstein and hold[s] critical information pertaining to our investigation of Epstein’s operations.”
The lawmakers formally requested a transcribed interview with Committee staff to discuss the crimes committed by Epstein and his associates, citing “numerous pieces of evidence” demonstrating a close relationship spanning several years.
Among the evidence cited was a “handwritten note” from Mandelson included in a 50th birthday book for Epstein, where he referred to the financier as his “best pal.” The letter also referenced Mandelson’s stay at Epstein’s New York apartment in 2009, during which Epstein was serving an 18-month sentence for soliciting prostitution and a minor.
Further, the representatives highlighted photographs of Mandelson in his underwear, recently released as part of the Department of Justice’s ongoing release of Epstein-related files. The letter demanded a response by February 27, citing the “urgency and gravity of this matter.”
Mandelson served as the U.K.’s ambassador to the United States from February to September of last year before being dismissed by Sir Keir Starmer due to his association with Epstein. Mandelson has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
He previously expressed regret for maintaining a relationship with Epstein, admitting it continued for too long. Last year, Garcia and Subramanyam made a similar request for testimony to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
