“I have been further linked this weekend to the understandable furore surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and I feel regretful and sorry about this,” Mandelson said in a letter to Labour’s General Secretary Hollie Ridley, according to a statement released to the media Sunday.
“Allegations which I believe to be false that he made financial payments to me 20 years ago, and of which I have no record or recollection, need investigating by me,” Mandelson added. “While doing this I do not wish to cause further embarrassment to the Labour Party and I am therefore stepping down from membership of the party.”
Mandelson was sacked as Britain’s ambassador to Washington in September after emails emerged showing he sent supportive messages to Epstein while the financier was facing charges for soliciting a minor in 2008. Earlier this month, Mandelson said he was wrong to have continued his association with Epstein and apologized “unequivocally” to Epstein’s victims.
Mandelson repeated that apology in the statement on Sunday, adding: “I have dedicated my life to the values and success of the Labour Party and in taking my decision I believe I am acting in its best interests.”
A Labour Party spokesperson said: “The Labour Party takes all complaints seriously and they are investigated in line with our rules and procedures.”