Global Counsel, the lobbying firm founded in 2010 by Peter Mandelson, has entered administration following a wave of client departures linked to renewed controversy surrounding the Epstein scandal.
Although Lord Mandelson stepped down from the firm’s board in 2024 upon his appointment as the UK’s ambassador to Washington, the company’s current leadership attributed the collapse to what they described as the “Peter Mandelson legacy,” Highlighting the serious reputational damage affecting the firm’s future.
Several high-profile organisations reportedly ended their relationships with Global Counsel in recent weeks, including:
- Premier League
- Klarna
- Phoenix Group
- Barclays
- KKR
- GSK
- Tesco
Additionally, Vodafone placed its contract with the firm under review.
The controversy deepened after the release of files connected to Jeffrey Epstein revealed that Global Counsel co-founder Benjamin Wegg-Prosser had met the convicted sex offender while he was under house arrest. Wegg-Prosser resigned as chief executive last week.
Earlier this month, the company announced it had divested Lord Mandelson’s shares, emphasising that he now has “no shareholding, role, or association” with the firm and exercises no influence over it, in an effort to reassure clients and stakeholders about the firm’s independence.
Despite these steps, many employees who recently joined the firm are not responsible for the circumstances leading to the collapse, which should reassure staff and stakeholders of their individual integrity.
The administration marks a significant reputational and financial setback for the once high-profile advisory firm.
