Manchester Metropolitan University has rescinded all honorary awards given to Peter Mandelson after fresh revelations about his friendship with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, the university said.
The move follows Mandelson’s dismissal this week as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Mandelson was sacked after it emerged that he had sent supportive messages to Epstein while the financier faced sex-offences charges.
A university spokesman said the honours were revoked "following the revelations that have come to light in recent days." Mandelson served as chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan from 2016 until 2024. He had been awarded an honorary doctorate on his appointment and received a commemorative medal at the end of his tenure.
The spokesman said the university board of governors had previously discussed Mandelson’s links to Epstein during his time as chancellor, after a photograph of the two men became public. "At that time we were reassured that there was no ongoing connection nor anything that would compromise Lord Mandelson's position," the spokesman added. "Our thoughts are with the victims who were subjected to the appalling crimes committed by Jeffrey Epstein and to all those who continue to be affected today. The University no longer has any ties with Lord Mandelson."
Mandelson, a senior figure in the Labour Party and one of the architects of New Labour, was appointed ambassador to Washington in December 2024. His dismissal came as material surfaced showing he had exchanged messages with Epstein while the financier was facing criminal allegations. Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail on Aug. 10, 2019, while awaiting trial.
Manchester Metropolitan’s decision removes formal recognition tied to Mandelson’s chancellorship but does not affect his peerage or other honours granted by different institutions or the state. The university did not specify whether any further institutional review would follow.
Political figures and institutions across the United Kingdom have faced increased scrutiny over links to Epstein since details of his activities and his connections to prominent individuals were widely reported. Manchester Metropolitan’s statement emphasized the university’s stance toward victims and its intention to sever formal ties with Mandelson in light of the recent disclosures.
Mandelson’s role in New Labour and his subsequent appointment as ambassador had made his conduct a matter of public interest. The university’s action represents one of the immediate institutional responses to the revelations that prompted his removal from the ambassadorial post earlier this week.