London, Feb 02 (V7N) — Lord Peter Mandelson has announced his resignation from the UK Labour Party after his name appeared in newly released documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, saying he did not want to cause further embarrassment to the party.

According to a report by the BBC on Monday, Lord Mandelson’s name was included in documents recently made public by the US Department of Justice. He had already been removed from his post as UK ambassador to the United States last year due to his past links with Epstein.

In a letter addressed to the Labour Party’s General Secretary, Lord Mandelson wrote, “I have once again become involved in the outrage surrounding Jeffrey Epstein this week. I feel remorse and regret for this.”

He further stated that allegations claiming Epstein paid him money around 20 years ago are false.
“I believe the allegations of money being paid to me are untrue. There is no evidence or proper basis for these claims. I cannot recall the matter clearly and it needs verification,” he said.

However, Lord Mandelson added that he decided to step down to avoid further controversy.
“I do not wish to create further embarrassment for the Labour Party and therefore I am resigning from the party,” he said.

According to the released documents, Jeffrey Epstein allegedly made three separate payments of $25,000 each to Lord Mandelson in 2003 and 2004, amounting to a total of $75,000.

Neither the UK Labour Party nor Lord Mandelson has been formally charged in connection with the matter so far.

END/SMA/AJ