What are the full reported instances of Douglas Alexander praising Peter Mandelson AFTER the latter had supported and stayed in the home of the convicted paedophile and child trafficker Geoffrey Epstein?

Key Reported Praises by Alexander (Post-2024)

These emerged from released documents/WhatsApps in 2026, drawing criticism (e.g., SNP calls for Alexander to resign over “sycophantic” messages): https://www.the-independent.com/news/uk/home-news/douglas-alexander-peter-mandelson-kirsty-blackman-scottish-scottish-secretary-b2987923.html

• Post-2024 General Election (July 2024 onward): Alexander thanked Mandelson extensively for long-term support, including in his selection as Labour candidate for Lothian East and return to Parliament. He described Mandelson’s influence on his “whole improbable journey,” referenced “quiet and effective support” (including during a Gordon Brown-era selection), and said he “won’t forget any of it.” He also expressed interest in Mandelson’s counsel on trade. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czr2dyyz0rzo
• On Mandelson’s Ambassador Appointment (around Dec 2024/early 2025): Alexander privately congratulated him, calling it “good news for you, for the government and for the country.” https://www.thenational.scot/news/26159024.snp-say-douglas-alexander-must-sacked-peter-mandelson-messages/
• “Comeback Kid” reference: Alexander referred to Mandelson as the “comeback kid” in messages. Critics highlighted this as occurring when Epstein links were already public knowledge. https://www.the-independent.com/news/uk/home-news/douglas-alexander-peter-mandelson-kirsty-blackman-scottish-scottish-secretary-b2987923.html
• Earlier public praise (“serious man for serious times”): This dates to ~2008 (during Mandelson’s return to government under Brown), which is after Epstein’s initial legal issues but before some later reported stays/support. It has been referenced in 2025–2026 scrutiny of Alexander. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOkysP5GbEY

Douglas Alexander and Peter Mandelson had a long-standing professional and political relationship within the Labour Party dating back to the 1990s New Labour era.

Key Pre-2024 Links

• Senior roles in Blair/Brown governments (1997–2010): Alexander held cabinet positions (e.g., Transport Secretary, International Development Secretary, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster). Mandelson returned to government in 2008 as Business Secretary under Gordon Brown and played a major strategy role. They worked together at the highest levels of government. https://www.thenational.scot/news/26159024.snp-say-douglas-alexander-must-sacked-peter-mandelson-messages/
• 2010 General Election campaign: Mandelson served as Labour’s Chair of Election Strategy (or campaign director), while Alexander was General Election Campaign Co-ordinator. They collaborated closely on the campaign, including joint press events and strategy. They were photographed together during this period. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/jul/12/mandelson-brown-labour-party-finished
• Public praise (~2012): As International Development Secretary, Alexander publicly praised Mandelson (then in a European role or advisory capacity) as “a serious man for serious times” and said he would “make a significant contribution to sustaining our economy.” https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/peter-mandelson-branded-a-risk-by-labour-992682
• Ongoing party ties: Their relationship continued post-2010 through Labour networks, with Mandelson acting as a senior/elder statesman figure. Recent releases reference Mandelson’s encouragement and support for Alexander’s political activities in earlier years (e.g., references to support around selections or campaigns in the Brown era). https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czr2dyyz0rzo