Emails released as part of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation reveal that Global Counsel, the lobbying firm co-founded by Peter Mandelson, sought lucrative contracts with state-owned companies in Russia and China shortly after he left ministerial office. The correspondence shows Mandelson and co-founder Benjamin Wegg-Prosser targeting clients such as the Russian investment fund Rusnano and the China International Capital Corporation while Mandelson was still a member of the House of Lords. These revelations have triggered a major crisis for the firm, leading to Wegg-Prosser’s resignation and an agreement for Mandelson to divest his remaining shares. The documents also expose the firm’s attempts to secure high-profile contracts, intensifying the political scandal surrounding Mandelson’s past associations, and sparking political fallout for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who appointed Mandelson as US ambassador while being aware of his ties to Epstein..
Date: February 6, 2026. Source: theguardian.com