# ‘I Never Left Your Side’: Emails Reveal More About Mandelson’s Epstein Friendship
In a bombshell development, newly released U.S. Department of Justice emails have exposed the startling depth of Peter Mandelson’s friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, including the phrase **”I never left your side”** in post-conviction correspondence, prompting a Metropolitan Police investigation for **misconduct in public office**.[1][2]
The revelations, dropped last Friday amid millions of Epstein-related court documents, paint a picture of a relationship that persisted long after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Mandelson, the former UK Business Secretary and briefly Ambassador to the U.S., shared **confidential government information** with the disgraced financier during the 2009-2010 global financial crisis.[1]
## Leaked Secrets and Financial Ties
One 2009 email shows Mandelson confirming rumors of a **€500 billion eurozone bailout**, telling Epstein the announcement was imminent that night—market-sensitive intel amid efforts to stabilize economies.[1] Another from 2010 forwarded an **internal memo to then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown**, detailing the UK’s struggling economy and recommending **£20 billion in asset sales** to raise revenue. The note, from advisor Nick Butler, revealed Labour’s tax policy plans.[1][2]
Further documents allege Mandelson tipped Epstein about a **secret underground tunnel between 10 Downing Street and the Ministry of Defence** in a May 2010 email.[2] He also reportedly lobbied the U.S. government in March 2010 to soften restrictions on bank trading, benefiting Epstein and Jes Staley.[2]
Financial links add fuel: Epstein made **$75,000 in three $25,000 payments** to Mandelson-linked accounts in 2003-2004, when Mandelson was a private citizen. In 2009, Epstein sent nearly **$12,000 to Mandelson’s husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva**, for an osteopathy course.[1][3]
These exchanges raise alarms over **national security breaches**, with critics questioning if Mandelson abused his position as Business Secretary.[1]
## Post-Conviction Loyalty: “I Never Left Your Side”
The emails spotlight Mandelson’s unwavering support after Epstein’s Florida conviction. A **June 2008 message** post-arrest called the case wrongful and urged Epstein to “fight for early release” from his 18-month sentence. Mandelson wrote he “thought the world of him.”[2]
Earlier, a 2003 birthday book entry dubbed Epstein his **”best pal.”** The infamous line **”I never left your side”** underscores this loyalty, featured in supportive post-conviction emails published widely in September 2025.[2]
Mandelson later claimed he relied on Epstein’s “assurances of innocence that turned out to be horrendously false.”[2] In a September 2025 *Sun* interview, he labeled Epstein a **”charismatic criminal liar”**, expressing “very deep regret” for the prolonged association, calling it an **”albatross around my neck.”**[2]
## Political Fallout and Starmer’s Dilemma
The scandal erupted amid Prime Minister **Keir Starmer’s 2024 appointment** of Mandelson as U.S. Ambassador, leveraging his connections post-Trump’s second term.[1][2] Vetting allegedly missed the full extent of ties.
By September 2025, U.S. House documents forced Starmer to sack him on September 11, after *The Sun* published the emails. Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty cited a **”materially different”** relationship from what was known.[2]
Starmer’s office reviewed Friday’s DOJ files, admitting **”safeguards were compromised”** on sensitive info, referring it to police.[1] In parliament, Starmer blasted Mandelson for betraying “our country, our parliament, and my party,” revealing Mandelson **lied about the relationship’s scope**.[1]
Pressure mounted: Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party and **House of Lords** this week, denying payment recollections and demanding investigation.[1][3]
On February 3, 2026, Metropolitan Police launched a probe into the **72-year-old ex-minister** for misconduct, which carries a **life sentence maximum**—though no arrest is imminent.[1][2][3]
## Mandelson’s Defense and Broader Implications
In a *Harry Cole Saves the West* interview, Mandelson regretted continuing ties “far longer than I should have.”[2] His embassy resignation letter called the role “the privilege of my life,” lamenting Epstein’s victims.[2]
The UK government will release files on his appointment.[3] Pundits speculate this could destabilize Starmer’s administration, with YouTube analyses dubbing it the **biggest scandal** of his tenure.[5]
Critics decry Epstein’s access to **UK and EU policy**, including Bank of England insights, fueling unease over influence-peddling.[4]
## What Happens Next?
Police probe whether Mandelson shared state secrets, with national security at stake.[1] Starmer faces calls for transparency, as more “embarrassing” emails loom.[2]
This saga tarnishes Mandelson’s spinner legacy, exposing how elite networks shielded Epstein’s orbit. Victims’ advocates demand accountability, beyond regret.
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Original source: BBC News – ‘I never left your side’: Emails reveal more about Mandelson’s Epstein friendship
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