TSSA calls for complete transparency over Mandelson

TSSA has said Peter Mandelson brought ‘shame and embarrassment’ on the Labour Party over his links to Jeffery Epstein with the union calling for complete transparency on how Mandelson was appointed to his role as the UK’s ambassador to Washington in late 2024, and for the serious revelations contained in the Epstein Files to be urgently and thoroughly investigated.

TSSA said the concerns raised go beyond embarrassment and demand clear and decisive action, including scrutiny of whether any conduct warrants investigation under the Official Secrets Act 1989, insider dealing rules, or any other related legislation that may have been breached.

The union also said there must be full scrutiny of the process that led to Mandelson’s appointment, including transparency about any individuals who intervened on his behalf or supported his appointment.

It’s likely that the government will today agree to publish all documents relating to that appointment process, aside from those which are deemed to prejudice national security and international relations.

TSSA said publication must be accompanied by clarity on what information was known, when it was known, and by whom, regarding any prior allegations or misconduct before the appointment was confirmed, and that this process must be handled as a matter of urgency to restore confidence in the Prime Minister and the leadership of the party.

Commenting, TSSA General Secretary, Maryam Eslamdoust said: “As the leader of a Labour affiliated union it's important to be clear, Peter Mandelson has brought shame and embarrassment on his party and it’s for the police to decide what happens next in relation to any criminal proceedings.

“The revelations in the Epstein Files are extremely shocking and must be urgently and thoroughly investigated. That means clear and decisive steps to address the serious concerns that have been raised, including whether any conduct warrants investigation under the Official Secrets Act, insider dealing provisions, or other relevant law.

“It’s also vital that we have complete transparency over how Mandelson was appointed to his role in Washington, including full scrutiny of the process and who may have intervened or supported that appointment.

“The public must also be told what was known, when it was known and by whom, before the appointment was confirmed. Only by doing so will the public see that this Labour government is serious about ending this crisis and beginning the process of rebuilding trust in politics.”