Lord Mandelson called the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein his “best pal”, according to an alleged “birthday book” released by US lawmakers.
The message was allegedly written by the Labour grandee and now-UK ambassador to the US for Epstein’s 50th birthday in 2003.
The newly-released documents include a message from Lord Mandelson along with a picture of him speaking with Epstein while dressed in a bathrobe, and another of him with two women whose faces are obscured.
The “birthday book” has been seen in full for the first time after the US House Oversight Committee subpoenaed Epstein’s estate and published it on Monday night.
The message alleged to be from Mandelson starts: “Once upon a time, an intelligent, sharp-witted man they call ‘mysterious’ parachuted into my life…I would spend many hours just waiting for him to turn up.
“And often, no sooner were you getting used to having him around, you would suddenly be alone…again. Leaving you with some ‘interesting’ friends to entertain instead…
“Or just some dogs to keep you company (he wasn’t always so keen on them).
“But then he would parachute back in…Very occasionally, taking you by surprise in some far off places.
“Or in one of his glorious homes he likes to share with his friends (yum yum).
“But, wherever he is in the world, he remains my best pal!”
The message signs off with: “Happy Birthday Jeffrey, we love you!!”
An official spokesperson for Lord Mandelson told the BBC: "Lord Mandelson has long been clear that he very much regrets ever having been introduced to Epstein."
The book also includes a note allegedly signed by US President Donald Trump.
The White House denied the alleged letter from Trump, which featured a drawing of a woman's body, was authentic. A spokesperson said the president "did not draw this picture, and he did not sign it".
The book is filled with photos of bad haircuts, women and men including Epstein in tight bathing suits and reminiscences from childhood friends, former girlfriends, and people who came to know Epstein after he became wealthy.
It also includes a message purporting to be from former US President Bill Clinton, which applauds Epstein for his "childlike curiosity" and his "drive to make a difference".
The “birthday book” is dated three years before allegations of sex abuse by Epstein became public in 2006.
Epstein died by suicide in prison in 2019.
