Sacked former US ambassador Peter Mandelson has been removed from his honorary role at the prestigious Design Museum following controversy surrounding his associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson, who was dismissed by PM Keir Starmer in September due to revelations about his close ties with Epstein, has now lost his honorary position at the publicly-funded Design Museum in London, where he previously served as chair. Additionally, Manchester Metropolitan University and an Oxford college have also stripped him of honors. Recent reports have uncovered that Mandelson maintained contact with Epstein as late as 2016.
The Design Museum had previously listed Mandelson as part of its “Trustee Emeriti” section on its website, highlighting his “distinguished track record.” However, his profile was promptly removed after inquiries were made. A museum spokesperson confirmed that Mandelson no longer holds any formal position there and clarified that his role as an Emeritus Trustee was purely honorary with no active involvement in the museum’s governance.
Email exchanges revealed that Mandelson continued to communicate with Epstein even after his criminal conviction in 2010. In one email from 2016, Epstein congratulated Mandelson on his birthday, indicating ongoing contact between the two. The messages also indicated Mandelson advising Epstein to distance himself from Prince Andrew amid allegations of sexual abuse. Mandelson’s association with Epstein led to his withdrawal from a diplomatic mission to Washington in September.
Before his removal, Mandelson had served as Chairman of the Design Museum from 2017 to 2023, showcasing a notable career in European trade and British government. The Design Museum, a registered charity, received funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council and is currently hosting exhibitions on iconic London nightlife and director Wes Anderson’s works.
Mandelson, who expressed regret over his relationship with Epstein, was approached for comment on the recent developments.