Opposition parties have called for a formal inquiry into Lord Mandelson’s links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after the senior Labour figure resigned from the party, saying he did not want to “cause further embarrassment” as scrutiny over his past associations intensified.

The resignation emerged just before 10:30pm, following the release of millions of documents by US authorities connected to Epstein. The publication marks the largest disclosure so far under a law that mandated the release of Epstein-related records last year, and it has reignited global attention on figures named within the files.

Lord Mandelson’s name appears among the documents, with some suggesting Epstein made payments to him between 2003 and 2004 totalling $75,000, now equivalent to about £55,000. Mandelson has firmly denied any knowledge of such transactions, stating he has no record or recollection of receiving the money and does not know whether the documents referencing him are authentic.

In a letter to Labour’s general secretary, Mandelson acknowledged the renewed controversy, writing: “I have been further linked this weekend to the understandable furore surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and I feel regretful and sorry about this.” He stressed that allegations he believes to be false require investigation, but said he felt it was right to step aside from party membership while he examined the claims.

“Allegations which I believe to be false that he made financial payments to me 20 years ago, and of which I have no record or recollection, need investigating by me,” the letter continued. “While doing this, I do not wish to cause further embarrassment to the Labour Party and I am therefore stepping down from membership of the party.”

Mandelson also used the statement to reiterate an apology to victims of abuse linked to Epstein, saying: “I want to take this opportunity to repeat my apology to the women and girls whose voices should have been heard long before now.” He added that his decision was guided by what he believed to be the best interests of the party to which he said he had dedicated his life.

This is not the first time Mandelson’s past friendship with Epstein has had serious consequences. In September, he was dismissed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer from his role as the UK’s ambassador to the United States after earlier revelations about the relationship came to light.

Opposition figures argue that Mandelson’s resignation, while significant, does not go far enough and have urged an independent inquiry to establish the full facts. They say transparency is essential to maintain public trust, particularly given Mandelson’s long-standing influence in British politics.

For Labour, the episode presents a renewed test of its commitment to accountability and openness. By stepping down, Mandelson has sought to draw a clear line between himself and the party during the investigation process, a move some within Labour see as helping to limit further political damage while allowing questions to be examined thoroughly.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has reaffirmed her intention to lead the country, declaring that she will assume the presidency “when the right time comes,” as Venezuela navigates a critical political transition.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News during a visit to Washington, Machado said she believes she will one day be elected president, describing her ambition as part of a broader mission to rebuild the country. She said her goal is to help turn Venezuela into “that land of grace,” adding that she hopes to become the nation’s first woman president when conditions allow for a democratic transfer of power.

Machado’s remarks came a day after she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump, describing the gesture as recognition of what she called his commitment to Venezuela’s freedom and democratic future. The symbolic act drew international attention and underscored her effort to strengthen ties with key global actors at a moment of heightened uncertainty for the South American nation.

The political landscape in Venezuela has shifted dramatically following the US operation on 3 January that led to the seizure of President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas and his transfer to New York, where he is facing multiple charges related to drugs and weapons trafficking. The move has intensified diplomatic activity around Venezuela’s future governance and raised questions about who will ultimately lead the country through its next phase.

Despite Machado’s prominence within the opposition and her movement’s claim of victory in the widely disputed 2024 elections, President Trump has so far stopped short of formally endorsing her as Venezuela’s next leader. He has argued that she lacks sufficient domestic backing at this stage. Instead, the US administration has been engaging with interim president Delcy Rodríguez, who previously served as Maduro’s vice-president and is currently overseeing the transitional administration.

Addressing questions about her role, Machado stressed that she remains focused on serving Venezuela in the most effective way possible. “I want to serve my country where I am more useful,” she said, adding that she believes she has a clear mandate from supporters who see her as a central figure in the country’s democratic aspirations.

During her visit to Washington, Machado also met with several US senators as part of broader efforts to rally international support. Outside Congress, her brief comments to reporters were frequently interrupted by supporters chanting “María, presidente” while waving Venezuelan flags, reflecting the enthusiasm of her backers and the continued visibility of her leadership bid.

The Conservative Party has dismissed Robert Jenrick from his role as shadow justice secretary after leader Kemi Badenoch said she was presented with what she described as “clear, irrefutable evidence” that he had been secretly plotting to defect in a manner intended to cause maximum damage to the party.

Mr Jenrick’s removal followed the discovery that a resignation speech had been printed and left unattended, an episode that senior party figures said raised serious concerns about his intentions and loyalty. Badenoch acted decisively after being briefed on the circumstances, signalling a firm approach to internal discipline as the party seeks to stabilise and refocus.

As a result of the decision, Jenrick no longer holds any frontbench role, and a successor as shadow justice secretary is yet to be named. While he continues to represent the Newark constituency in Nottinghamshire, he is now sitting as an independent MP. Under parliamentary rules, members are not required to resign their seat if they change party allegiance, allowing constituents to continue to be represented without disruption.

In addition to losing his shadow cabinet position, Jenrick’s personal membership of the Conservative Party has been suspended. This suspension strips him of several party privileges, including the right to attend the annual Conservative Party conference and to vote in future leadership elections.

Party sources said the swift action was intended to draw a clear line under the episode and demonstrate the leadership’s commitment to transparency and cohesion. Supporters of Badenoch argue that the move reinforces a message of accountability and strengthens the party’s ability to move forward with a united front, as attention now turns to rebuilding trust and setting out a clear political direction in the months ahead.