Mandelson-Linked Lobbying Firm Enters Administration
Global Counsel stopped trading after clients cut ties over Peter Mandelson's links to Jeffrey Epstein; Interpath was appointed and redundancies are under way.
Overview
Global Counsel stopped trading and entered administration with Interpath appointed as joint administrators.
The firm's collapse followed the release of files showing links between Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein, including records of $75,000 in payments in 2003 and 2004 to accounts linked to Mandelson or his husband.
High-profile clients including Shell, TikTok and Barclays cut ties with Global Counsel, administrators said.
The company employed roughly 100 to 130 people worldwide and administrators warned of significant redundancies that will affect roughly 80 to 120 UK roles.
Interpath said it will review the company's assets and liabilities to explore the best route to realise assets while focusing on supporting UK staff.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present the story as a reputational collapse tied to Epstein, using consequential language ("collapsed", "disgraced", "monumental impact"), prioritizing client departures, police inquiries and past controversies, and highlighting payments and resignations. The pieces foreground institutional fallout and questions about judgment while noting sources' denials.
Sources (3)
FAQ
Files showed $75,000 in payments in 2003 and 2004 to accounts linked to Mandelson or his husband.
High-profile clients including Shell, TikTok, and Barclays severed ties due to the scandal over Peter Mandelson's links to Jeffrey Epstein.
The firm employed 100-130 people worldwide, with significant redundancies expected to affect 80-120 UK roles as the company stops trading.
Interpath, with Will Wright and Steve Absolom as joint administrators, was appointed on February 20, 2026.
Mandelson resigned as UK ambassador to the US last year, from the Labour Party earlier this month, from Global Counsel's board in 2024, and divested his shares this month; he has also resigned from the House of Lords.
History
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