Notes from Trump and Mandelson among alleged messages in Epstein 'birthday book'

Files from a 'birthday book' compiled for the sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein appear to include a glowing contribution from the current UK ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson.

Documents appear to show Lord Mandelson calling Epstein my "best pal" and writing of the friend "taking you by surprise… in one of his glorious homes he likes to share with his friends (yum yum)".

The pages are contained in files from the estate of the deceased billionaire paedophile, handed over to a Congressional committee.

The collection of birthday tributes include a hand-drawing of a woman's body, signed "Donald". They also contain a picture of Epstein holding an outsized cheque, signed by "DJTRUMP".

Read more on this story:Alleged Epstein note doesn't look great for Trump

Beneath the image is a handwritten message that reads: "Jeffrey showing early talents with money + women! Sells 'fully depreciated (redacted) to Donald Trump for $22,500."

The US president has denied any impropriety involving Epstein, whom he once counted as a friend.

The newly-released files were handed over following a demand by the Oversight Committee of the US Congress.

They are from a book complied by Epstein's co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell, to celebrate Epstein's 50th birthday in 2003.

Mandelson's message to 'best pal'

A number of pages include pictures of Lord Mandelson, a former Labour minister, and a message that reads:

"Once upon a time, an intelligent, sharp-witted man they call "mysterious" parachuted into my life.

"You would spend many hours just waiting for him to turn up."

"And often, no sooner were you getting used to having him around, you would suddenly be alone…. again.

"Leaving you with some "interesting" friends to entertain instead….

"Or just some dogs to keep you company (he wasn't always so keen on them)

"But then he would parachute back in…

"Very occasionally, taking you by surprise in some far off places

"Or in one of his glorious homes he likes to share with his friends (yum yum)

"But, wherever he is in the world, he remains my best pal!

"Happy birthday, Jeffrey we love you!!"

Pictures of Lord Mandelson appear on the pages, which include an image of a tropical island.

Previously, a 2019 report by JP Morgan bank suggested Lord Mandelson had stayed at Epstein's New York flat in 2009, while the disgraced financier was in jail.

Epstein was serving an 18-month sentence after pleading guilty to procuring a person under the age of 18 for prostitution.

At the time, Lord Mandelson was the business secretary in the UK government, under then prime minister Gordon Brown.

Sky News contacted the British embassy in Washington for comment, and was referred to earlier statements from Mandelson, including an interview with Sky News in May this year.

Asked then about the New York story, he said: "I'm not answering any questions about him. My knowledge of him is something I regret, I wish I'd never met him in the first place."

Asked why he had an association with Epstein while he was in jail, Lord Mandelson replied: "Why did many people meet him? He was a prolific networker and I wish I'd never met him in the first place."