A member of the Labour party expressed discomfort upon hearing about emails allegedly exchanged between Peter Mandelson and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mike Tapp, during an interview with BBC’s Charlie Stayt, reacted to a message from Mandelson to Epstein saying, “I think the world of you.” Pressure mounts on Labour leader Keir Starmer to remove Mandelson from his post as the US Ambassador, with backbench MP Andy McDonald stating there is no support for Mandelson within the party.
Following the emergence of new emails, including one sent during Epstein’s child sex charges, where Mandelson expressed his support, concerns have escalated. The email from 2008 revealed Mandelson’s feelings of despair and anger, urging Epstein to fight for early release. Tapp expressed his disturbance towards such emails and emphasized the need to assess Mandelson’s statements and actions at the time.
Despite calls for Mandelson’s dismissal, Starmer defended him in Parliament. However, discontent persists within the Labour party, with McDonald insisting on Mandelson’s immediate resignation or sacking by the Prime Minister. The lack of support for Mandelson within the party is causing significant unrest and questioning the Prime Minister’s judgment in appointing him.
Mandelson, acknowledging his prolonged association with Epstein, expressed regret for his actions and denied involvement in any criminal activities. US lawyer Gloria Allred suggested Mandelson should cooperate with investigators voluntarily to assist Epstein survivors. The ongoing scrutiny surrounding Mandelson’s ties to Epstein continues to fuel demands for accountability and transparency.