Peter Mandelson has 'no recollection' of receiving money disclosed in Epstein files
There are more questions for Peter Mandelson, after the former cabinet minister was also featured in the latest set of documents relating to the convicted paedophile, Jeffrey Epstein. ITV News' Ian Woods reports
Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to the US, has said he has "no recollection" of receiving the sums of money mentioned in the latest Epstein files, and said he does "not know if the documents are authentic".
The statement comes the day after more than three million pages of documents were released by the US Justice Department in its latest Epstein disclosure, as well as over 2,000 videos and 180,000 images.
The documents showed that Epstein wired thousands of pounds after Peter Mandelson's husband asked him to pay for his osteopathy course fees.
The exchanges are between Epstein and Reinaldo Avila da Silva, Mandelson's husband, about covering the fee for him to attend the British School of Osteopathy.
Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning.
“I have no record and no recollection of receiving these sums and do not know if the documents are authentic," Mandelson said on Sunday.“I can say clearly, though, I regret ever having known Epstein. I was wrong to believe Epstein and swallow his lies following his conviction and to continue my association with him afterwards. I deeply regret doing so and apologise unequivocally to the women and girls who suffered”.
Separately among the documents there are bank statements across 2003 and 2004 that appear to show $75,000 (£54.5k) was transferred to Mandelson from Epstein.
On September 7, 2009, Mr Avila da Silva sent Epstein a message saying: “I sent you a couple of emails last week regarding my osteo course expenses, incl fee, anatomical models, lap top if you can help me with this. I hope you received them.
“I just managed to speak to the fees office at the osteo school and confirmed that my annual fee is of £3,225.”
He then explains the school accepts bank transfer and provides the account details before thanking Epstein for “anything you can help me with”.
The financier replied later the same day: “I will wire your loan amount immediated’y [sic].”
Mr Avila da Silva followed up with a further email, which makes reference to a £10,000 transfer.
Underwear photos
Among the cache of documents were photos that appear to show Mandelson in his underwear speaking to an unidentified woman.
The pictures are undated and have been released without any context, and while they are clearly private photos, none provide proof of any wrongdoing.
A spokesperson for Mandelson said: "No one can say who or where the photo was taken."Lord Mandelson has absolutely no idea or indeed whether it has any connection to Epstein at all."
Banker bonus questions
Emails between Epstein and Mandelson were also released, including exchanges between the two men on UK government policy on bankers' bonuses.
Documents appear to show Epstein asking questions about a tax on bankers' bonuses proposed at the time, with another appearing to show Mandelson advising JP Morgan's CEO, through Epstein, on how to "mildly threaten" the government.
An email dated December 15, 2009 from Epstein reads:"[A]ny real chance of making the tax only on the cash portion of the bankers bonus."
The response sent minutes later reads: "Trying hard to amend as I explained to Jes last night. Treasury digging in but I am on case."
Epstein responds with: "let me know before jes please„."
He follows up with: "gb needs help in may , not another enemy".
Another response says: "Or a car crash any earlier".
The final message in the thread is from Epstein: "amend it, deliver the message personally to dimon. im going to sleep".
While the email addresses are redacted during the exchange, the thread clearly starts with "PETER MANDELSON" as the recipient.
Two days later, on December 17, 2009, Epstein asks Lord Mandelson if JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon should call then-Chancellor Alistair Darling about the tax on bankers' bonuses.
Mandelson responds: "Yes and mildly threaten".
Political backlash
A number of Labour members are demanding that Mandelson be kicked out of the party, including Andy McDonald MP, who described it as "another colossal misjudgement" by the Labour peer.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also called on the prime minister to suspend Mandelson's party membership and launch an investigation into how Mandelson and his husband were sent money by Epstein.
The Labour Party said they "take all complaints seriously and they are investigated in line with our rules and procedures.”
Previous apologies
In January Mandelson offered an “unequivocal” apology to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein for remaining friends with the paedophile financier after his conviction.
When he spoke to the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Mandelson apologised for a system which meant Epstein’s victims were not listened to, but not for his own association with the sex offender, which continued after his first conviction.
Epstein had pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution and soliciting a minor, but Mandelson said he believed his excuses and continued to support him.
Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know…