Overview

• Hartlepool Borough Council voted unanimously on Thursday to rescind the Freedom of the Borough from Peter Mandelson, who represented the town in Parliament from 1992 to 2004.
• The decision followed disclosures showing a longstanding relationship with Epstein that continued after his 2008 conviction and until Epstein’s death in 2019.
• Mandelson was dismissed as UK ambassador to Washington last month after emails emerged urging Epstein to “fight for early release” and telling him “I think the world of you” the day before he began his sentence.
• The council said retaining the honour would risk damaging Hartlepool’s reputation and was fundamentally incompatible with the values of the award.
• Consequences have broadened, with Mandelson losing roles such as high steward of Hull and an honorary doctorate from Manchester Metropolitan University, while MPs scrutinize vetting after the Foreign Office admitted he was not subjected to in‑depth checks before his appointment.