Horrified & Indefensible... Labour MP responds to Mandelson Email Scandal..

The Labour MP for Hartlepool has broken his silence over the Emails which seen Peter Mandelson's links to convicted Paedophile Jefferey Epstein become fully known.

15th September 2025

Hartlepool Labour MP Jonathan Brash has spoken out for the first time on a scandal many believe has set Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on a path towards his resignation from government. The controversy follows Lord Peter Mandelson’s removal as UK Ambassador to the United States last week and mounting pressure for his Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Hartlepool—awarded in 2009—to be revoked in light of his links to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein becoming known.

"I was Horrified" said Mr Brash !

In an interview this weekend, Mr Brash—who now represents the constituency once held by Mandelson from the 1990s through the early 2000s—said he was “horrified” at the extent of Mandelson’s association with Epstein. He confirmed he has been in contact with Labour colleagues to formally support stripping Mr Mandelson of his honorary borough title, calling the former MP’s conduct “utterly indefensible.”

The Teesside & Durham Post recently found that Mr Mandelson was appointed as President of the local charity Families First (North East)...

However, its claimed attention is now turning towards Mandelson’s position as President of Families First North East, a Hartlepool charity that works closely with vulnerable families and young children. The Teesside & Durham Post recently revealed Mandelson’s ongoing leadership role in the organisation—where, notably, Jonathan Brash also continues to serves as patron. Campaigners argue Mandelson’s continued involvement is incompatible with the charity’s mission, and calls for his removal are said to be growing louder.

So far, Families First North East has issued no statement at the time of our publication addressing the revelations. However, pressure is mounting from the local community and political figures for Mandelson to step aside.

Hartlepool councillors are expected to meet on October 2nd, where a vote to revoke Mandelson’s Honorary Freedom of the Borough is anticipated, with the Teesside & Durham Post understanding that reports suggest the motion is likely to receive unanimous backing.