Global Counsel faces collapse after Peter Mandelson’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein revealed

The consultancy firm Global Counsel, co-founded by former British ambassador and Labour politician Peter Mandelson, is on the verge of collapse after news of Mandelson’s past links to the late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein came out.

Staff were told this week that clients are leaving the firm in droves, causing severe financial strain. The departures came after documents and reports showed Mandelson had connections with Epstein that lasted longer than previously known.

Mandelson had already cut ties with Global Counsel last September, the same day Prime Minister Keir Starmer sacked him as Britain’s ambassador to Washington. Earlier this month, co-founder Benjamin Wegg‑Prosser also resigned as CEO.

The fallout from the revelations has left the firm struggling to stay afloat, with administration likely unless new clients step in quickly. The scandal also put pressure on politicians and highlighted the reputational risks for firms linked to high-profile figures with controversial pasts.

Earlier in the day, The Daily Telegraph reported that police officers had arrived at his residence in eastern England. According to the newspaper, six unmarked police vehicles and around eight plain-clothed officers were seen entering Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate.

The development follows a statement earlier this month from Thames Valley Police confirming that they were reviewing allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential government documents with the late US financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The allegations emerged from documents recently released by US authorities.

Mountbatten-Windsor has previously denied any wrongdoing and has expressed regret over his past association with Epstein. He has not issued a fresh response following the publication of the latest files.

Police have not yet disclosed further details regarding the investigation or whether formal charges are expected.