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Peter Mandelson’s reputation as a skilled political strategist was so valued by successive Labour prime ministers that despite his controversial past, he was repeatedly entrusted with key government positions. However, newly released emails by the US Department of Justice reveal that Mandelson may have sought political advice from US financier Jeffrey Epstein, who had a criminal background. These emails indicate that Mandelson kept Epstein closely updated during the tense days following the 2010 general election, especially regarding Gordon Brown’s unsuccessful attempts to form a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats.
In one notable exchange on 9 May, Mandelson reportedly informed Epstein that Gordon Brown was engaged in secret talks with Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg at the Foreign Office. The following morning, Mandelson appeared to inform Epstein that Brown had finally agreed to take action, a step later understood to involve Brown’s resignation as Labour leader in order to facilitate coalition discussions. Ultimately, these negotiations failed, and Clegg allied with David Cameron’s Conservatives to form the government. Mandelson has been contacted for his response to these detailed email exchanges which document key moments through the five-day coalition process after the election produced no outright winner.
The emails also reveal candid commentary from Mandelson to Epstein during the negotiations. Two days after the election, Mandelson is said to have spent the entire day consulting first with Brown and then with the Liberal Democrats, describing them as “all pretty bonkers.” Epstein contributed strategic suggestions, such as emphasizing the combined Labour and Lib Dem vote and proposing the idea of a Conservative minority government. Mandelson’s responses showed his grasp of the high stakes involved, noting Brown’s belief that the British economy would collapse without his leadership, while also acknowledging conflicting advice about whether to support Brown’s continuation or removal.
Mandelson’s return to government in 2008 was widely seen as a bold move by Gordon Brown, who had previously regarded him as a rival. Despite their past tensions, Brown appointed Mandelson as business secretary and later elevated him to first secretary of state, effectively the deputy prime minister, during a major economic crisis. At the time, Mandelson’s reputation was as much tied to his flair for political maneuvering and intrigue as to his policy expertise. His exchanges with Epstein reflect this penchant for behind-the-scenes plotting and candid gossip, including discussions about removing Brown as Labour leader or even positioning himself for the leadership, underscoring the complex and often contentious nature of his political career
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