UK: Mandelson Quits Labour Over Epstein Payment Allegations
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Despite a long history of political comebacks, it is clear that this is now the end of the road for Peter Mandelson. Credible or not, attempts to return to the fore with pleas of innocence have fallen on deaf ears as the extent of his relationship with Epstein continues to become more apparent. His decision to leave the Labour Party finally shows an acceptance that, even for the "Prince of Darkness," there are some scandals that cannot be escaped.
Establishment-critical narrative
The decision to allow Mandelson to resign from the Labour Party on his own terms only further exposes the rot at the heart of Westminster. It is not enough to retire quietly into the shadows — Mandelson must be compelled to testify and finally reveal all for the sake of Epstein's victims and their families, whilst an inquiry must take place to determine how much the government knew prior to his appointment.
