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Lobbying firm chief steps down after Epstein documents surface
Benjamin Wegg-Prosser has resigned as CEO of Global Counsel, the influential lobbying firm he co-founded with former Labour minister Peter Mandelson, following revelations in recently unsealed U.S. court files linking the company to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Departure follows internal and client pressure
Wegg-Prosser announced his exit on Friday, citing the need to shield the firm's reputation from ongoing scrutiny over its ties to Epstein. In a message to staff, he described his resignation as a "good old-fashioned political resignation" aimed at protecting the business. His profile was promptly removed from Global Counsel's website, and managing director Rebecca Park has taken over his role.
Mandelson's stake divested amid controversy
Lord Mandelson, who stepped down from Global Counsel's board in 2024 ahead of the UK general election, had retained shares in the company until this week. In a letter to clients, chairman Archie Norman, a former Conservative MP, confirmed that Mandelson's shares would be divested by the end of Friday, pending final approvals.
Wegg-Prosser stated in a company release: "With the completion of the divestment of Peter Mandelson's stake in the business, I feel that now is the time to draw a line between Global Counsel and his actions."
Emails reveal meetings and correspondence with Epstein
The U.S. Department of Justice released the Epstein files last week, which include emails showing Wegg-Prosser met with Epstein in New York in 2010, two years after the financier's conviction for soliciting prostitution and a minor. On 20 February 2010, Mandelson emailed Epstein to arrange the meeting, writing: "Ben is coming to NYC to meet you and explain the business plan."
Epstein later emailed Mandelson, describing Wegg-Prosser as "media sensitive" with "good communication instincts" but added that he had "feeble business acumen." The files also show direct email exchanges between Wegg-Prosser and Epstein in 2011, including a prepared statement about Mandelson's introduction to Epstein.
Firm's operations and client relationships
Global Counsel, established after Labour's 2010 election defeat, employs over 100 staff across offices in Berlin, Brussels, Singapore, Washington DC, and Doha. Last year, the firm reported £21.6 million in revenue and a £250,000 annual profit. Its client roster has included Shell, TikTok, Palantir, Vodafone, and JP Morgan, though Barclays is understood to have severed ties.
Political fallout and Mandelson's role
Mandelson, a long-time ally of Wegg-Prosser, was dismissed as the UK's ambassador to the U.S. last year after his Epstein connections came under renewed scrutiny. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced criticism for appointing Mandelson, apologizing to Epstein's victims and accusing Mandelson of misleading the vetting process. Mandelson, however, maintains he answered all questions accurately during vetting.
In a statement on Sunday, Mandelson expressed regret for "ever having known Epstein" and for continuing their association after his conviction. He insisted he was "never culpable or complicit" in Epstein's crimes, stating he only learned the full truth about Epstein after his death.
