Lobbying agency based by ex-minister claims the disgraced peer’s legacy is accountable for its downfall
Lord Mandelson was final seen outdoors his dwelling 4 days in the past (Picture: Getty)
Peter Mandelson’s lobbying agency, World Counsel, has entered administration in an extra blow to the disgraced ambassador’s popularity amid additional fallout from the Epstein scandal. Lord Mandelson based the agency after leaving authorities in 2010, and shortly constructed up a roster of well-known and rich company purchasers.
Regardless of Lord Mandelson leaving the agency’s board in 2024 after being appointed British ambassador to Washington, World Counsel’s management crew pinned the blame on him for its collapse. Chairman Archie Norman and chief government Rebecca Park informed workers on Thursday that the “Peter Mandelson legacy” is answerable for their impending job losses. It got here after numerous distinguished purchasers reduce their relationship with World Counsel over the previous weeks amid the unhealthy publicity.
Learn extra: Met challenge big replace on Mandelson-Epstein information probe as properties searched
Lord Mandelson had already left World Counsel’s board (Picture: Getty)
These included the Premier League, Klarna, Phoenix Group, Barclays, KKR, GSK, and Tesco. Vodafone additionally put its contract “below evaluation”.
Lord Mandelson based the agency with Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, who resigned as chief government final week after the Epstein information confirmed he had additionally met the convicted paedophile whereas the financier was below home arrest.
A World Counsel determine informed the Monetary Occasions that the agency’s collapse didn’t replicate on the laborious work of present workers, including: “There are lots of well-regarded workers who’ve solely been right here for a 12 months or two.”
One other senior determine on the firm informed The Occasions: “It’s horrible that workers now threat shedding their jobs by way of completely no fault of their very own.”
Earlier this month, the corporate mentioned {that a} divestment within the disgraced peer’s shares was being accomplished, in a transfer that introduced “to an finish any connection between World Counsel and Peter Mandelson”.
It added: “This implies he not has any shareholding, position, or affiliation with World Counsel, and workout routines no affect over the corporate in any capability.”
Lord Mandelson’s fall from grace continues (Picture: Getty)
Final week, ministers and civil servants have been informed: “Any engagement with World Counsel is now considered as delicate, any engagement ought to now be handled as non-routine, and escalated.”
Lord Mandelson has not been arrested by the police amid claims he might have breached the regulation round misconduct in public workplace.
Police have been seen raiding his two properties, in London and Wiltshire, earlier this month, including that “enquiries are ongoing”.
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Lord Mandelson has not responded to feedback, however beforehand expressed his remorse for persevering with to affiliate with Jeffrey Epstein after his first conviction for baby intercourse abuse.
He apologised “unequivocally to the ladies and the ladies who suffered”.
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