LONDON — Britain’s Ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson referred to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein as his “best pal,” according to a letter released by U.S. lawmakers.
A note purportedly from Mandelson is included in a “birthday book” marking Epstein’s 50th birthday in 2003, arranged by the sex offender’s accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. It was released Monday by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Reform. POLITICO has not been able to independently confirm the note’s veracity.
A number of pages in the document include pictures of Mandelson — at the time a Labour member of parliament — and a message which reads: “Once upon a time, an intelligent, sharp-witted man they call ‘mysterious’ parachuted into my life.”
It continues: “You would spend many hours just waiting for him to turn up. And often, no sooner were you getting used to having him around, you would suddenly be alone…. again.
“Leaving you with some ‘interesting’ friends to entertain instead…. Or just some dogs to keep you company (he wasn’t always so keen on them).
“But then he would parachute back in… Very occasionally, taking you by surprise in some far off places.
“Or in one of his glorious homes he likes to share with his friends (yum yum).
It concludes: “But, wherever he is in the world, he remains my best pal! Happy birthday, Jeffrey we love you!!”
The existence of Mandelson’s contribution to the book was first reported by the Wall Street Journal in July. The British ambassador has previously distanced himself from Epstein, and a spokesperson told the BBC Monday: “Lord Mandelson has long been clear that he very much regrets ever having been introduced to Epstein.”
The British government has so far rowed in strongly behind Mandelson, who has been a key point person between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Trump administration, earning praise from the U.S. president in the Oval Office earlier this year for his “beautiful accent.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting on Tuesday denied the message could lead to a change of ambassador, as he warned against implying any wrongdoing by association.
The Cabinet minister told LBC that “the ambassador has been clear that he regrets ever having been introduced to Epstein.”
“And who can blame him? Who would want to be associated with Epstein given what we know now about the horrific crimes that he perpetrated.”
He added of Mandelson: “I’m sure he will have more to say. But I don’t think we should tar everyone as kind of guilty by association.”
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