Lord Peter Mandelson is set to lose the Freedom of Hartlepool award due to his association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The decision was made unanimously by councillors, who cited Mandelson’s support for Epstein after his criminal conviction. Mandelson, a former MP for Hartlepool, was also stripped of honors by Manchester Metropolitan University.
The motion to revoke Mandelson’s title stated that his ongoing relationship with Epstein, even after the latter’s conviction and death, goes against the values and integrity of the honor. Failure to remove the award was deemed a risk to the town’s reputation. Mandelson expressed regret for his past association with Epstein and the impact on the victims.
This move follows Mandelson’s dismissal as a US ambassador for allegedly aiding Epstein after his guilty plea. The leaked emails indicated Mandelson’s support for Epstein’s early release, leading to his removal from various prestigious positions. The council’s decision underscores the seriousness of maintaining the town’s values and upholding civic integrity.