Peter Mandelson's Lobbying Firm Global Counsel Collapses Amid Epstein Scandal Fallout

Lobbying Firm Global Counsel Enters Administration

Global Counsel, the prominent lobbying firm co-founded by former Labour minister Peter Mandelson, has ceased trading and entered administration, resulting in the redundancy of approximately 80 UK-based staff. The decision, announced on Friday, February 20, 2026, comes after a rapid exodus of clients following renewed scrutiny of Mandelson's connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Administrators from Interpath have been appointed to oversee the London-based business, which had grown over 15 years to become a leading public affairs consultancy. Will Wright, UK chief executive of Interpath and joint administrator, stated that the 'rapid and sudden loss of clients over recent weeks has had a monumental impact on the business.'

Client Exodus and Reputational Damage

The firm's collapse was directly attributed to the 'maelstrom' of political and media attention surrounding Peter Mandelson. Despite efforts by Global Counsel to distance itself from Mandelson, including his resignation from the board in 2024 and the sale of his shares earlier in February 2026, clients continued to withdraw.

High-profile clients such as Barclays, Tesco, Klarna, Phoenix Group, KKR, and the English Premier League reportedly cut ties with Global Counsel. Vodafone also placed its contract under review. This significant loss of business proved fatal for the advisory firm, which relies heavily on trust and reputation.

Mandelson's Links to Jeffrey Epstein Under Scrutiny

The crisis intensified following the release of documents by the US Justice Department, which laid bare the extent of Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Revelations included that Mandelson had sought Epstein's advice on setting up Global Counsel in 2010, shortly after leaving government. Furthermore, emails indicated that Mandelson, while a leading member of the Labour government in 2009, had passed sensitive government information to Epstein.

Records also suggested payments totaling $75,000 in 2003 and 2004 from Epstein to accounts linked to Mandelson or his husband, though Mandelson has questioned the authenticity of these statements. In the wake of these disclosures, Mandelson's home in Wiltshire was searched by police as part of an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office.

Background of Global Counsel

Global Counsel was co-founded in 2010 by Peter Mandelson and Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, who also stepped down as chief executive earlier in February 2026. The firm had a global presence with employees in London, Berlin, Brussels, Doha, and Singapore. Despite its growth and a roster of diverse clients, the historical ties between its co-founder and Epstein ultimately led to its downfall, underscoring the fragility of the advisory industry when faced with severe reputational damage.