Lord Mandelson was dismissed as British ambassador to the US after emails revealed he had encouraged the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein to seek early release from prison. Photo / Getty Images
Lord Mandelson was dismissed as British ambassador to the US after emails revealed he had encouraged the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein to seek early release from prison. Photo / Getty Images
Lord Mandelson has no intention of giving up his House of Lords seat despite British MPs demanding he step back, the Telegraph understands.
The former British ambassador to the US is understood to feel there is no reason he must leave the Lords, despite being sacked from his Washington rolethis week.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer dismissed Mandelson after emails revealed he had encouraged the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein to seek early release from prison.
Peerages are granted by the monarch and cannot be given up.
But peers can give up their seat in the Lords, an option open to Mandelson if he wishes.
The fallout from the controversy this week has seen the peer stripped of honours from Manchester Metropolitan University.
There have also been calls for the former Business Secretary and Northern Ireland Secretary to be suspended as a Labour Party member.
Lord Mandelson with Jeffrey Epstein on a shopping trip in St Barts. Photo / House Oversight Committee
Mandelson is a peer but strictly does not have the Labour whip because he is on leave of absence while in Washington. Ending the leave of absence will need three months’ notice.
A peer who gives up their seat is still able to use the “Lord” title but cannot speak in the Chamber or take part in votes, ending their ability to directly shape legislation.
Political opponents are calling for action to be taken.
Sign up to Herald Premium Editor’s Picks, delivered straight to your inbox every Friday. Editor-in-Chief Murray Kirkness picks the week’s best features, interviews and investigations. Sign up for Herald Premium here.
