"Peter Mandelson's personal disgrace is deep and unique, and may yet bring down a prime minister but by laying bare the dark allure of the filthy rich, it also underlines the need for tougher constraints on money in politics. It is hard to know what system or process could have shielded sensitive government decisions from the risk that a senior cabinet minister might nonchalantly pass on the details to a friend, the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein."
"But Epstein's efforts to influence government policy working to water down Alistair Darling's bonus tax at a time when the banks had crashed the British economy, for example underline the powerful forces with which politicians are faced. One bulwark against this is the expectation that most will display a probity and strength of character Mandelson clearly lacked. The Bank of England governor, Andrew Bailey, spoke for many on Thursday when he unfavourably compared the disgraced Mandelson with the late Alistair Darling."
Peter Mandelson's conduct reveals a grave personal disgrace that threatens political stability and highlights the influence of the very wealthy on government. Connections with Jeffrey Epstein demonstrated how sensitive government decisions could be exposed to improper influence. Epstein attempted to shape policy, including efforts to water down Alistair Darling's bonus tax after the banking crash. Expectations of ministerial probity and strength of character are a key defense against such pressures, which Mandelson lacked. Recent appointments and donor access reflect blurred boundaries between business and politics, increasing risks of conflicts of interest and underscoring the need for tougher constraints on money in politics.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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