Head of Firm Founded by Mandelson Resigns Following Epstein Releases
Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, the chief executive of Global Counsel—a lobbying firm co-founded by Peter Mandelson—has announced his resignation in light of newly released files detailing connections to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This decision comes after Wegg-Prosser determined that his long-standing association with Mandelson and the references to them in the Epstein files were damaging the firm’s reputation.
Background on Global Counsel and Wegg-Prosser
– Global Counsel was established in 2010, post the Labour Party’s loss in the general election.
– The firm has provided advisory services to high-profile clients, including Shell and TikTok.
– Wegg-Prosser’s resignation was first reported by the Financial Times and was characterized by him as “a good old-fashioned political resignation” aimed at safeguarding the business’s image.
His profile has already been removed from the company’s website, with managing director Rebecca Park stepping in as the new head.
Mandelson’s Role and Recent Developments
– Lord Mandelson had resigned from the board of Global Counsel in 2024 but retained shares in the company.
– In a letter to clients, Archie Norman, chairman of Global Counsel, announced an agreement for the divestment of Mandelson’s shares, with completion expected soon after the announcement.
– Wegg-Prosser stated that the completion of this divestment signals the need to separate Global Counsel from Mandelson’s actions.
Epstein Files and Their Implications
The recent release of the Epstein files by the US Department of Justice raises concerns regarding his connections to political figures:
– The files reveal that Wegg-Prosser met with Epstein in 2010, two years after Epstein’s conviction on charges related to soliciting prostitution and a minor.
– An email from Lord Mandelson to Epstein dated February 20, 2010, discussed a business meeting with Wegg-Prosser.
– Following that, correspondence indicates contact between Wegg-Prosser and Epstein, including a prepared statement about Mandelson’s introduction to Epstein.
Global Counsel’s Profile
– The firm employs over 100 individuals and has established offices in major cities such as Berlin, Brussels, Singapore, Washington, D.C., and Doha.
– In the previous fiscal year, Global Counsel reported revenues of £21.6 million, with an annual profit of £250,000.
– Clients over the years have included prominent companies like Palantir, Vodafone, and JP Morgan.
Questions Surrounding Mandelson’s Appointment
Mandelson’s history and recent developments pose significant questions:
– He was previously sacked from his role as the UK’s ambassador to the US due to emerging information regarding his ties to Epstein.
– Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces scrutiny surrounding the vetting process that enabled Mandelson’s appointment. Starmer has publicly apologized to Epstein’s victims for selecting Mandelson and has accused him of being dishonest during the vetting.
Additionally, Lord Mandelson expressed regret for knowing Epstein and has reiterated that he was never complicit in any of Epstein’s crimes, learning the true nature of Epstein only after his death.
Conclusion
Wegg-Prosser’s resignation from Global Counsel after Epstein releases highlights the ongoing ramifications of association with controversial figures in politics and business. The firm is now taking necessary steps to distance itself from such affiliations, aiming to maintain its reputation in an increasingly scrutinized environment.