Mandelson refuses to give up Lords seat

Lord Mandelson has no intention of giving up his House of Lords seat despite MPs demanding he step back.

The former British ambassador to the US is understood to feel there is no reason he must leave the Lords, despite being sacked from his Washington role this week. 

Sir Keir Starmer dismissed Lord Mandelson after emails revealed he had encouraged the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein to seek early release from prison. 

Peerages are granted by the monarch and cannot be given up.

But peers can give up their seat in the Lords, an option open to Lord Mandelson if he wishes.

The fallout from the controversy this week has seen the peer stripped of honours from Manchester Metropolitan University. 

There have also been calls for the former business secretary and Northern Ireland secretary to be suspended as a Labour Party member.

Lord Mandelson is a peer but strictly does not have the Labour whip, since he is on a leave of absence while in Washington. Ending the leave of absence will need three months’ notice.

A peer who gives up their seat is still able to use the “Lord” title but cannot speak in the Chamber or take part in votes, ending their ability to directly shape legislation.

Political opponents are calling for action to be taken.

[Source: Daily Telegraph]