The long and influential political career of Peter Mandelson, one of the most central figures in British politics over recent decades, came to an abrupt end today.
Lord Mandelson announced his irrevocable resignation from the House of Lords following the renewed emergence of accusations and controversy surrounding his relationship with the late American financier and convicted pedophile, Jeffrey Epstein.
The development was officially announced this afternoon in Parliament by the Lord Speaker of the House of Lords, Michael Bruce Forsyth.
In his address to the chamber, Lord Forsyth confirmed that Mandelson will no longer be a member of the upper house as of tomorrow, marking the end of the career of the man widely known as the “grey eminence” of the Labour Party and one of the principal architects of “New Labour” under Tony Blair.
According to British media reports, the dramatic decision comes amid mounting public and media pressure over Mandelson’s documented links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Although Mandelson held some of the highest state offices over the years, the appearance of his name in the files of the global sexual abuse scandal has made it untenable for him to continue serving as a legislator.
His resignation closes a significant—yet deeply controversial—chapter in the political history of the United Kingdom.
