Emails Reveal Peter Mandelson Aided Convicted Sex Offender Jeffrey Epstein with Downing Street Visit While in Government

Newly released emails from the US Department of Justice reveal that British politician Peter Mandelson attempted to facilitate a visit to 10 Downing Street for Jeffrey Epstein's "goddaughter" during a period when Epstein was imprisoned for procuring a minor for prostitution. At the time, Mandelson was serving as Business Secretary in Prime Minister Gordon Brown's government.

Attempts to Arrange 10 Downing Street Visit

The correspondence shows Epstein, while serving an 18-month sentence in Florida, informing hedge fund manager Glenn Dubin that he would "organize a trip to Number 10, and the House of Lords with Peter Mandelson for you guys" for Dubin's child, whom Epstein referred to as his "goddaughter."

Epstein subsequently wrote directly to Mandelson, requesting a "very special trip" for the 15-year-old girl, who would be accompanied by her parents, suggesting "House of Lords, number 10, just for ten minutes." Mandelson's response was a concise "Fine on all," later adding he was "trying my best to accommodate" the request.

Connections to the Royal Family

Further emails indicate that Glenn Dubin later thanked Epstein, stating, "Grt time in buck palace…. ….andrew was great." This was followed by Epstein informing Ghislaine Maxwell that "andrew had tea with the dubin kids and glenn." These messages appear to reference Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, then Prince Andrew, who was later stripped of royal titles in late 2025 and faced allegations of sexual assault in connection with Epstein's sex-trafficking ring, allegations he settled out of court.

The girl referred to as Epstein's "goddaughter" is identified as Celina Dubin, daughter of Glenn Dubin and Eva Andersson-Dubin, a former girlfriend of Epstein. Exchanges suggest Epstein maintained contact with Celina Dubin following this visit.

Widespread Political Fallout

The revelations raise serious questions about Mandelson's willingness to assist Epstein, a known convicted sex offender, while serving as a senior UK government minister. Mandelson's long career has seen him navigate repeated scandals, returning to government in a senior Labour role from 2008 to 2010.

The controversy has intensified following his appointment as ambassador to the United States in 2024 by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a role from which he stepped down in September 2025 after an initial release of Epstein files. A second tranche, published on January 30, alleged Mandelson passed sensitive government information to Epstein, leading to a police referral, his brief arrest in February, and ongoing investigations.

The political crisis has seen two senior government aides resign, and Starmer has apologized for the appointment decision. Despite the Prime Minister's move to make all related documents public, scrutiny has only grown, with further WhatsApp messages anticipated to fuel fresh calls for Starmer's resignation.

Government vetting in late 2024 had explicitly warned of "reputational risk" due to Mandelson's ties to Epstein, though Mandelson reportedly denied key aspects of their relationship, including staying with Epstein post-2008 conviction. Officials were aware of the relationship, discussed it, and raised concerns with the prime minister's chief of staff, yet the appointment proceeded.

Early Interactions and Financial Links

Mandelson's interactions with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell date back to at least June 2002. Emails reveal Mandelson's early contact with Maxwell, including one message where he wrote, "I love disgusting. That's why I am wild and dangerous." In the same exchange, Maxwell playfully rebuked him for spoiling Epstein's lunch: "Behave or you will be punished like the bad boy you are."

During a period of political exile in 2002, Mandelson cultivated his connections with Epstein. Messages from 2003 show Mandelson referring to Epstein as his "best pal" in a 50th birthday book compiled for Epstein, which also featured photographs of the two men together. Financial records from 2003 and June 2004 indicate Epstein made several payments of $25,000 each to accounts linked to Mandelson.

Correspondence also hints at Mandelson's desire to partake in Epstein's lavish lifestyle, asking about travel to Epstein's Caribbean island, with Epstein offering to pay for tickets. Other messages suggest Mandelson was offered a ride on Epstein's private plane to the island.

Photos released with the files show Mandelson in a dressing gown with Epstein and Andrew, and in his underwear with an unidentified woman at what was reportedly Epstein's residence, underscoring the intimate nature of their association.

Counsellor During Legal Troubles

Despite Epstein's arrest in 2008 for soliciting a minor, Mandelson did not sever ties. Instead, he appeared to offer counsel, coaching Epstein through the mounting allegations. Mandelson wrote, "You are fighting back so you need strategy," repeatedly pressing for updates and asking if everything was being handled, adding, "Hope you are strategising."

Following Epstein's conviction, Mandelson expressed strong support, writing, "I think the world of you and I feel hopeless and furious about what has happened … Your friends stay with you and love you."

"Special Unpaid Adviser" and Information Sharing

The communication between Mandelson and Epstein intensified in June 2009, when Mandelson became First Secretary of State. Epstein celebrated the promotion, circulating news of Mandelson's "comeback" and informing associates like JPMorgan's Jes Staley that Mandelson was "For all intents and purposes … deputy prime minister."

Epstein appeared to act as an intermediary, facilitating meetings and discussions between Mandelson and senior JPMorgan figures on financial and policy matters. He also offered Mandelson advice, suggesting he leverage his position "in charge of all universities" to establish a prize in "cyberwar artificial general intelligence." Mandelson's reply: "You can become my special unpaid adviser."

Of significant concern are messages reportedly suggesting Mandelson may have shared sensitive political information with Epstein, including details about Gordon Brown's impending resignation in 2010 and a 500-billion-euro ($580bn) EU bailout. Mandelson also forwarded Epstein a private email sent to Prime Minister Brown containing sensitive market information, to which Epstein responded with his own economic strategy advice, including exploiting "INTELLECTUAL assets."

Personal Confidant and Financial Assistance

The personal relationship remained close, with Mandelson reportedly telling Epstein, "Had a long dream about you last night." He also sought Epstein's advice on a personal matter concerning a figure named Simone, writing, "You are the only person who knows everything about me." Epstein initially advised travel to New York but later cautioned against it due to Mandelson's "new profile."

Financial links re-emerged in September 2009 when Mandelson's husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, emailed Epstein requesting a loan for an osteopathy course. Epstein agreed to wire 10,000 pounds ($13,310), which da Silva confirmed receiving. Mandelson explicitly cautioned Epstein to "Remind him that to avoid a gift-tax filing, it must be a loan."

Conclusion of Contact

Correspondence between Mandelson and Epstein reportedly continued until 2016, with some due diligence reports indicating the relationship lasted until 2019. In one of their final exchanges, Mandelson's fascination with political power was evident as he remarked on US President Donald Trump, writing, "By the way, as political practitioner, Donald is phenomenal. The craft and tenacity are amazing."

Key Takeaways

  • Emails show Peter Mandelson sought to arrange a 10 Downing Street visit for Jeffrey Epstein's "goddaughter" while Epstein was imprisoned for sex offenses.
  • Mandelson, then Business Secretary, confirmed he would "accommodate" the request for the 15-year-old.
  • The emails reference "Andrew" having tea with the "Dubin kids," likely referring to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (Prince Andrew).
  • Mandelson's relationship with Epstein led to his resignation as US ambassador and an ongoing police investigation into allegations of sharing sensitive government information.
  • Early interactions dating to 2002 included intimate exchanges and financial payments from Epstein to Mandelson-linked accounts.
  • Mandelson acted as a "counsellor" to Epstein after his 2008 arrest and later proposed Epstein become his "special unpaid adviser" while in government.
  • Mandelson allegedly shared sensitive government market information with Epstein and sought financial assistance from him for his husband.
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer has apologized for Mandelson's appointment, facing increasing pressure over the crisis.
Olley News Insight: The release of the "Mandelson files" highlights the profound and long-standing entanglement between a prominent British political figure and a convicted sex offender, raising significant questions about ethical conduct, national security, and due diligence at the highest levels of government. The ongoing fallout underscores the continuing repercussions of the Epstein scandal across global power structures.