The divisive Lord Mandelson who now finds himself embroiled so deeply in the Epstein files fallout has long proved a thorn in the side of right-minded Britain, having been a central player in the New Labour movement since he represented Hartlepool as MP from 1992 to 2004.
After establishing himself as the Party’s chief “spin-doctor” by orchestrating media operations within the champagne socialist, predominantly North London political establishment, and despite early and widely-reported allegations of sleaze, this public opinion manipulator went on to occupy multiple Cabinet roles under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown and served as the EU’s Trade Commissioner from 2004 to 2008.
Recognised for his tactical media management combined for a sharp acumen for sealing a deal, the “Prince of Darkeness” as he came to be known, was elevated to the peerage in 2008 as Baron Mandelson. He held the position of UK Ambassador to the US briefly in 2025 before losing his post following fresh examination of his continued connections to the convicted US paedophile and businessman Jeffrey Epstein.
On Sunday, Mandelson was forced to resign from the party he devoted his political life to, following the latest bombshell Epstein file release, which indicated he had received tens of thousands of dollars from the depraved pervert during the height of the Tony Blair government.
The Express has invited Lord Madelson to comment.
Mandelson’s ultimate fall has been much swifter than his climb. However, his career has been rocked by a series of alleged improprities, the most controversial have been rounded up here.
Read on to learn the full sordid history.
Undisclosed Home Loan (1998)
Just a year after New Labour swept to power, it emerged that Mandelson had failed to declare a £373,000 loan he took from Geoffrey Robinson, the paymaster general, when securing a £150,000 mortgage to purchase a £475,000 property in Notting Hill, west London.
Tory MP Richard Bacon, a member of the Commons public accounts committee, said: “As a Cabinet minister, Lord Mandelson earned a decent wage and more when he was at the European Commission. But it is a matter of considerable public interest how he can afford such an expensive home within barely a year of leaving government. Given his previous history over an undeclared home loan, I would have thought he would understand the need to be open and transparent on this issue.” The scandal compelled him to quit as trade secretary.
Hinduja Passport Scandal (2001)
Despite the furore, within 12 months he was reinstated to government, assuming the role of Northern Ireland secretary.
However, his tenure ended in ignomity yet again, when in January 2001 he stepped down amid allegations of misconduct regarding a passport application for the exceedingly weathly Indian-origin Hinduja brothers. An inquiry subsequently exonerated him of any wrongdoing.
His fury at being forced out erupted later that year when he retained his Hartlepool constituency seat, despite facing challenges from other left-wing candidates. Delivering an extraordinary and emotional victory speech, he said: “It was said that I was facing political ruin. My career in tatters, apparently never to be part of the political living again.”
“Well, they underestimated Hartlepool. And they underestimated me. Because I am fighter and not a quitter!”
Two years on, he resigned as an MP to take up a position relating to his other pet political project: the EU.
The “Oligarch Yacht” Scandal (2008)
In October 2008, Peter Mandelson came under fierce scrutiny over private encounters with Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, particularly a summer 2008 gathering on his yacht off Corfu, sparking conflict of interest concerns as Mandelson was the EU Trade Commissioner. Mandelson stated he offered no favours, defending the meetings as routine engagement with business leaders. Despite his widely publicised loathing for Mandelson over his failure to back him over Blair for leadership of the party stretching back to the 1990’s, Prime Minister Gordon Brown deemed the dealings “above board.”
‘Extraordinary’ insult against leave voters (2018)
Speaking on LBC radio, the by then former EU trade commissioner unleashed a tirade against Leave supporters, claiming they despise foreigners. He alleged they were motivated by “nationalism which is not to be confused with patriotism”. He continued: “Patriotism is love of your country, wanting to stand up for your country, wanting to serve the best interests of your country. Nationalism, on the other hand, is hatred of foreigners.” Critics labeled his comments “extraordinary” and “shameful” for defaming 17 million voters.
The Palantir Defence Contract (2025)
Last week, the Express reported in detail on how Palantir secured a “record” £240 million deal with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) in late 2025, forming part of a wider, more extensive, and occasionally undisclosed, £670m+ package of agreements with the UK government. Peter Mandelson played a significant role with Global Counsel, a consultancy that lobbied for Palantir and was was viewed as enabling the firm’s access to the Starmer government. The tight relationship between the UK government and Palantir attracted fierce scrutiny owing to Palantir’s connections to Donald Trump (via co-founder Peter Thiel) and its participation in contentious AI-powered military surveillance.
As Mandelson’s slimy rise and slippery fall have been documented over the years, it seems extraordinary that he could have lasted this long. Let’s hope this sorry latest scandal relating to Epstein will be the last we hear of the Prince of Darkness.
