Fri, 20 Feb 2026

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 Lobbying firm co-founded by Mandelson goes into administration

Global Counsel's clients cut ties with the firm over Lord Mandelson's links with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Global Counsel, a lobbying firm co-founded by Lord Peter Mandelson, has entered administration due to significant client losses following revelations of its connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The company's collapse will result in around 120 job losses and creditors are unlikely to be paid in full. Interpath, the administrators, stated that the loss of clients had a "monumental impact" on the business, leaving no other option but administration. Lord Mandelson resigned from the board in 2024 but remained a shareholder until recently, while his co-founder Benjamin Wegg-Prosser stepped down as CEO earlier this year. The company's future was uncertain after Epstein documents were published, highlighting Mandelson's links to the financier and a meeting between Wegg-Prosser and Epstein in 2010. Clients such as Shell, TikTok, and Barclays had cut ties with Global Counsel before its collapse. Administrator Will Wright said that the company will cease trading while a review of assets and liabilities is undertaken, exploring the best route forward. Managing Director Steve Absolom stated that his immediate focus is on supporting employees who will be made redundant due to the administration.
  >>