Lord Peter Mandelson will be stripped of the Freedom of Hartlepool due to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The decision was made by councillors who unanimously voted to revoke the honor bestowed upon Mandelson, who served as Hartlepool’s MP from 1992 to 2004.
The move comes after leaked messages revealed that Mandelson had offered support to Epstein following his guilty plea to soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008. Reports indicated that Mandelson advised Epstein to seek early release and expressed positive sentiments towards him just before Epstein began his prison sentence.
Having already lost various honors from Manchester Metropolitan University, where he served as chancellor, Mandelson now faces the removal of his honorary title in his former constituency. The motion emphasized that the Freedom of the Borough of Hartlepool is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service and exemplify the values of the community.
The motion highlighted the enduring and close relationship between Mandelson and Epstein, emphasizing that such a connection contradicts the principles and dignity associated with the honor. Failure to revoke the title was deemed a risk to the town’s reputation.
In response to the decision, Mandelson expressed regret for his past association with Epstein and the suffering of Epstein’s victims. He acknowledged feeling remorseful about the circumstances surrounding his departure and the events from two decades ago.
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