Global Counsel CEO Resigns Amid Epstein File Revelations
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- Benjamin Wegg-Prosser resigned as CEO of Global Counsel following revelations of connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
- The Epstein files revealed meetings between Wegg-Prosser, Peter Mandelson, and Epstein in 2010.
- Global Counsel has initiated the divestment of Mandelson's shares to distance itself from the scandal.
- The firm, co-founded by Mandelson, has faced scrutiny over its past attempts to secure business with Russian and Chinese state companies.
- The scandal has intensified political pressure on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer due to Mandelson's past roles.
The chief executive of Global Counsel, Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, has stepped down following the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, which exposed connections between the lobbying firm and the disgraced financier. The files, made public by the US Department of Justice, detail meetings and communications between Wegg-Prosser, Peter Mandelson, and Epstein dating back to 2010.
Resignation and Share Divestment
Wegg-Prosser announced his resignation on Friday, citing the need to protect the reputation of Global Counsel, a firm he co-founded with Mandelson after Labour's 2010 electoral defeat. The decision was described as a "good old-fashioned political resignation." Rebecca Park, previously the managing director, has been appointed as the new CEO.
In an effort to further distance itself from the controversy, Global Counsel has begun the process of divesting Mandelson's shares. Archie Norman, the company's chairman, confirmed that the transaction would be completed pending final approvals. Mandelson had already resigned from the board in 2024 but retained a significant shareholding.
Epstein Connections and Political Fallout
The Epstein files reveal that Wegg-Prosser and Mandelson met with Epstein in New York in 2010 to discuss business plans for Global Counsel. The meetings occurred shortly after Epstein's 2008 conviction for child sex offenses. Emails show Mandelson facilitating these meetings, highlighting the firm's early attempts to secure high-paying foreign business, including potential deals with Russian and Chinese state companies.
The revelations have sparked a political crisis for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who faces criticism for appointing Mandelson to a diplomatic role despite his known association with Epstein. The scandal has also led to the termination of talks between Mandelson and various companies, including Rokos Capital Management.
Global Counsel's Future
Global Counsel, which employs over 100 people across several international offices, has been working to mitigate the damage from the scandal. The firm has emphasized its independence and commitment to providing high-quality advice to clients. However, the fallout from the Epstein files continues to pose challenges for its leadership and reputation.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The resignation of Benjamin Wegg-Prosser and the divestment of Peter Mandelson's shares mark significant steps in Global Counsel's efforts to distance itself from the Epstein scandal. However, the firm's reputation may continue to suffer as more details from the Epstein files emerge. The political implications for Keir Starmer could also deepen, potentially affecting his leadership and policy decisions.
Moving forward, Global Counsel will need to rebuild trust with its clients and stakeholders. This may involve further organizational changes and transparency measures to reassure partners of its ethical standards. The broader impact on the lobbying industry could lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory changes, particularly concerning political connections and foreign engagements.
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Global Counsel CEO Resigns Amid Epstein File Revelations
In This Article
Ethan Brooks| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- Benjamin Wegg-Prosser resigned as CEO of Global Counsel following revelations of connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
- The Epstein files revealed meetings between Wegg-Prosser, Peter Mandelson, and Epstein in 2010.
- Global Counsel has initiated the divestment of Mandelson's shares to distance itself from the scandal.
- The firm, co-founded by Mandelson, has faced scrutiny over its past attempts to secure business with Russian and Chinese state companies.
- The scandal has intensified political pressure on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer due to Mandelson's past roles.
The chief executive of Global Counsel, Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, has stepped down following the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, which exposed connections between the lobbying firm and the disgraced financier. The files, made public by the US Department of Justice, detail meetings and communications between Wegg-Prosser, Peter Mandelson, and Epstein dating back to 2010.
Resignation and Share Divestment
Wegg-Prosser announced his resignation on Friday, citing the need to protect the reputation of Global Counsel, a firm he co-founded with Mandelson after Labour's 2010 electoral defeat. The decision was described as a "good old-fashioned political resignation." Rebecca Park, previously the managing director, has been appointed as the new CEO.
In an effort to further distance itself from the controversy, Global Counsel has begun the process of divesting Mandelson's shares. Archie Norman, the company's chairman, confirmed that the transaction would be completed pending final approvals. Mandelson had already resigned from the board in 2024 but retained a significant shareholding.
Epstein Connections and Political Fallout
The Epstein files reveal that Wegg-Prosser and Mandelson met with Epstein in New York in 2010 to discuss business plans for Global Counsel. The meetings occurred shortly after Epstein's 2008 conviction for child sex offenses. Emails show Mandelson facilitating these meetings, highlighting the firm's early attempts to secure high-paying foreign business, including potential deals with Russian and Chinese state companies.
The revelations have sparked a political crisis for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who faces criticism for appointing Mandelson to a diplomatic role despite his known association with Epstein. The scandal has also led to the termination of talks between Mandelson and various companies, including Rokos Capital Management.
Global Counsel's Future
Global Counsel, which employs over 100 people across several international offices, has been working to mitigate the damage from the scandal. The firm has emphasized its independence and commitment to providing high-quality advice to clients. However, the fallout from the Epstein files continues to pose challenges for its leadership and reputation.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The resignation of Benjamin Wegg-Prosser and the divestment of Peter Mandelson's shares mark significant steps in Global Counsel's efforts to distance itself from the Epstein scandal. However, the firm's reputation may continue to suffer as more details from the Epstein files emerge. The political implications for Keir Starmer could also deepen, potentially affecting his leadership and policy decisions.
Moving forward, Global Counsel will need to rebuild trust with its clients and stakeholders. This may involve further organizational changes and transparency measures to reassure partners of its ethical standards. The broader impact on the lobbying industry could lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory changes, particularly concerning political connections and foreign engagements.
Related Articles
Global Counsel Faces Collapse Amidst Epstein Scandal Fallout
Global Counsel Enters Administration Amid Epstein Link Fallout
Prince Andrew's Arrest Intensifies Scrutiny on Royal Succession and Prince William's Future Role
MPs Weigh Inquiry into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Trade Envoy Role Amid Arrest
Arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Sparks Unprecedented Crisis for British Monarchy
UK Government Considers Removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from Royal Succession Amid Arrest