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 that detail connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This decision comes as Wegg-Prosser recognizes that his long-standing association with Mandelson, alongside the revelations in the Epstein files, jeopardizes the firm’s integrity.
Background on Global Counsel and Wegg-Prosser
– Global Counsel was established in 2010, following the Labour Party’s electoral defeat.
– The firm has catered to high-profile clients, including Shell and TikTok.
– Wegg-Prosser described his resignation, first reported by the Financial Times, as “a good old-fashioned political resignation” aimed at protecting the firm’s image.
– His profile has already been removed from the company’s website, with managing director Rebecca Park stepping in as the new leader.
Mandelson’s Role and Recent Developments
– Lord Mandelson resigned from the board of Global Counsel in 2024 but retains shares in the company.
– Archie Norman, chairman of Global Counsel, announced in a letter to clients that an agreement for divesting Mandelson’s shares is underway, expected to be finalized shortly.
– Wegg-Prosser emphasized that concluding this divestment is essential for dissociating Global Counsel from Mandelson’s actions.
Epstein Files and Their Implications
The recent release of Epstein files by the US Department of Justice has raised concerns over 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 involving Wegg-Prosser.
– Subsequent correspondence indicates ongoing contact between Wegg-Prosser and Epstein, including a prepared statement concerning Mandelson’s introduction to Epstein.
Global Counsel’s Profile
– The firm employs over 100 individuals, with 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, alongside an annual profit of £250,000.
– Over the years, clients have included significant companies like Palantir, Vodafone, and JP Morgan.
Questions Surrounding Mandelson’s Appointment
Mandelson’s connections and recent developments raise critical questions:
– He was previously dismissed from his role as the UK’s ambassador to the US due to emerging information regarding his relationship with Epstein.
– Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces scrutiny regarding the vetting process that enabled Mandelson’s appointment. Starmer has publicly apologized to Epstein’s victims and accused Mandelson of dishonesty during the vetting process.
– Lord Mandelson has expressed regret for his acquaintance with Epstein, asserting he was never complicit in any of Epstein’s actions and only learned of Epstein’s true nature after his death.
Conclusion
Wegg-Prosser’s resignation from Global Counsel following the Epstein releases underscores the enduring impact of associations with controversial figures in both politics and business. The firm is actively taking steps to distance itself from such affiliations, striving to uphold its reputation in an increasingly scrutinized landscape.