Global Counsel Faces Administration
Global Counsel, the lobbying firm co-founded by Peter Mandelson, has confirmed it is preparing to enter administration.
Staff have reportedly been informed that this step became unavoidable after leading clients ended their relationships with the company, following revelations of apparent connections to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Leadership Changes and Company Background
Lord Mandelson resigned from the board of Global Counsel in 2024, although he remained a shareholder until earlier this month. His co-founder, Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, stepped down as chief executive on 6 February.
Sources close to the company maintain that its challenges are entirely due to "the Mandelson legacy" and not related to any actions by the staff.
Global Counsel was established by Lord Mandelson and Wegg-Prosser after the Labour Party's defeat in the 2010 general election.
The firm grew to become a highly influential lobbying entity in Westminster, advising prominent clients such as Shell, TikTok, and Barclays.
It employs more than 100 people and operates offices in Berlin, Brussels, Singapore, Washington DC, and Doha.
Impact of Epstein File Revelations
The company's future was cast into doubt following the release of documents from the Epstein files, which shed light on Lord Mandelson's associations with the disgraced financier.
The documents also referenced a meeting between Wegg-Prosser and Epstein in 2010, two years after Epstein's conviction for soliciting prostitution and soliciting a minor.
Jeffrey Epstein died in New York in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Lord Mandelson's Career and Recent Developments
Lord Mandelson is recognized as one of the principal architects of the New Labour movement, which came to power with Tony Blair's election victory in 1997.
He held several ministerial positions under Blair and Gordon Brown and served as European Commissioner for Trade from 2004 to 2008.
He was appointed ambassador to the United States in December 2024 but was dismissed in September after the full extent of his relationship with Epstein became public.
Earlier this month, police searched two properties linked to Lord Mandelson following allegations of misconduct in public office.
Responses and Statements
Global Counsel has been contacted for comment.
Lord Mandelson has also been approached for comment but has not responded. The BBC understands that his position is that he has not acted criminally and was not motivated by financial gain.
"the Mandelson legacy"
