Benjamin Wegg-Prosser
British political adviser and consultant
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This article is part of the Lobbying Portal, a sunlight project from Spinwatch. |
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This article is part of the Revolving Door project of Spinwatch. |
| Benjamin Charles Wegg-Prosser | |
| Born | 11 June 1974 |
|---|---|
| Occupation | CEO and co-founder of Global Counsel |
| Known for | Political adviser to Tony Blair and Peter Mandelson |
| Website | |
Benjamin Charles Wegg-Prosser (born 11 June 1974) is a British consultant and political adviser. He serves as the chief executive officer and co-founder of Global Counsel, a London-based strategic consultancy and lobbying organisation chaired by Peter Mandelson. Benjamin Wegg-Prosser previously acted as Director of Strategic Communications at 10 Downing Street under Prime Minister Tony Blair from 2005 to 2007 and has held senior positions in media, government, and international business. His professional life remains deeply intertwined with Peter Mandelson, a relationship spanning more than thirty years that has shaped his roles in politics, media, and private-sector advisory work. As of February 2026, Benjamin Wegg-Prosser continues to steer Global Counsel through international expansion while managing fallout from Peter Mandelson's high-profile controversies.
Benjamin Wegg-Prosser entered British politics during the rise of New Labour and quickly became a trusted operative within that circle. His unwavering loyalty during Peter Mandelson's 1998 resignation crisis and his subsequent career moves demonstrate strategic resilience and network-building skills. In recent years Global Counsel has expanded rapidly, providing policy and regulatory advice to multinational clients across Europe, Asia, and North America. Yet the organisation's close association with Peter Mandelson has repeatedly attracted scrutiny, particularly following disclosures about Peter Mandelson's connections to Jeffrey Epstein and Russian business figures.
Background
Benjamin Wegg-Prosser was born on 11 June 1974. He graduated from University of Sheffield with a degree in Politics in 1995.[1]
Early career and close ties to Peter Mandelson (1995–1999)
Benjamin Wegg-Prosser began his political career in 1995 as a research assistant to Peter Mandelson within the Labour Party during its opposition years.[1] This appointment marked the beginning of a durable professional and personal alliance with Peter Mandelson, frequently characterised as mentor-protégé. After Labour's 1997 landslide victory, Benjamin Wegg-Prosser was appointed special adviser to Peter Mandelson, first as Minister without Portfolio and subsequently as Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.[2]
The partnership faced its first major test in December 1998 when Peter Mandelson resigned following revelations of an undisclosed home loan from Geoffrey Robinson, the then Paymaster General. Benjamin Wegg-Prosser resigned in tandem, displaying the loyalty that has defined their relationship.[3] In the weeks that followed, Benjamin Wegg-Prosser worked unpaid for a month to help Peter Mandelson manage the aftermath, earning quiet respect in Westminster circles for his discretion and steadiness despite occasional nicknames such as "Oofy".[4]
After the resignation, Benjamin Wegg-Prosser briefly served as Deputy Director of Communications at Pearson Plc in 1999.[1]
Media sector roles (2000–2005)
In 2000 Benjamin Wegg-Prosser moved into journalism and publishing, joining The Guardian where he launched Public magazine aimed at public-sector decision-makers.[2] He subsequently held positions as Publisher of Politics at Guardian Unlimited, General Manager of EducationGuardian.co.uk, and Publisher of Society Guardian.[1] These roles sharpened his understanding of digital media, public policy communications, and audience targeting—capabilities he later applied in consultancy.
Throughout this period Benjamin Wegg-Prosser maintained close contact with Peter Mandelson, who was temporarily out of frontline politics but remained influential behind the scenes. In 2002 Benjamin Wegg-Prosser contributed commentary pieces to The Guardian on government strategy, signalling his continued immersion in Labour policy debates.[5]
Return to Downing Street (2005–2007)
In July 2005 Benjamin Wegg-Prosser returned to government as Director of the Strategic Communications Unit at 10 Downing Street, succeeding Peter Hyman and Godric Smith.[2] Reporting directly to Tony Blair, he shaped long-term government messaging and oversaw the 2006 launch of the Downing Street e-petitions platform. The site rapidly gained prominence when 1.8 million people signed a petition opposing road pricing, prompting one minister to label Benjamin Wegg-Prosser "a prat" in private. Benjamin Wegg-Prosser publicly described the initiative as "a great success".[6]
His time at No. 10 overlapped with the final phase of Tony Blair's premiership and rising internal tensions within Labour. In 2008 Benjamin Wegg-Prosser disclosed that Peter Mandelson, then European Trade Commissioner, had dined twice with Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska in Moscow, describing vigorous debates on Russia's WTO accession and Finnish timber tariffs as characteristic of their "friendship founded on jousts and arguments".[7]
Russian new media venture (2007–2011)
In 2007 Benjamin Wegg-Prosser relocated to Moscow to join SUP, a new media company he co-founded in 2006, initially as Director of Marketing and from August 2008 as Director of Corporate Development.[8][9] SUP later merged with Rambler, a Russian search engine owned by sanctioned state bank Sberbank, although Benjamin Wegg-Prosser has stated he retained no ongoing involvement after 2011.[10]
This chapter further entwined Benjamin Wegg-Prosser's activities with Peter Mandelson's international networking during his Brussels tenure.
In 2010, concurrently with his SUP role, Benjamin Wegg-Prosser accepted a position on the advisory board of lobbying firm The Ledbury Group as New Media & Political Relations Consultant.[9]
Launch and growth of Global Counsel (2010–present)
In November 2010 Benjamin Wegg-Prosser and Peter Mandelson established Global Counsel, initially backed by WPP, with Benjamin Wegg-Prosser as chief executive.[11] The firm provides strategic advice on regulation, geopolitics, and market entry to corporate clients in technology, finance, energy, and pharmaceuticals.
Between 2011 and 2015 Global Counsel built a reputation for discreet, high-level advisory work, particularly on European Union policy and emerging markets. Benjamin Wegg-Prosser drew on his No. 10 and Russian experience to advise clients navigating complex regulatory environments. In 2013 he joined the board of LabourList, consolidating his position within progressive media and political networks.[12]
The mid-2010s saw Global Counsel expand geographically, opening offices in Brussels and Singapore to capitalise on post-Brexit and Asian growth opportunities. Benjamin Wegg-Prosser positioned the firm as a bridge between government policymakers and multinational business, often emphasising "nuanced understanding of political risk". By 2017 he appeared on the expert roster of the Valdai Discussion Club, though he later distanced himself from ongoing involvement.[13]
From 2018 onward Global Counsel reported steady revenue growth, driven by demand for advice on trade policy, digital regulation, and ESG issues. In January 2022 Benjamin Wegg-Prosser was appointed director of Global Counsel Ventures Ltd, signalling diversification into venture-related advisory services.[12]
In August 2023 the firm announced senior promotions: Rebecca Park and Belma Ambrose elevated to Managing Directors, and Daniel Capparelli named Senior Practice Director for Trade and Supply Chains. Benjamin Wegg-Prosser described the changes as strengthening Global Counsel's "ability to deliver integrated, cross-border solutions".[14]
2023–2024 brought regulatory attention after Global Counsel was investigated by the UK lobbying registrar over unregistered work for Qatar Free Zones Authority; the probe concluded without sanction in early 2025.[15] Lobbying registers later showed a marked increase in client activity from late 2023, coinciding with anticipation of a Labour election victory.
In September 2024 Benjamin Wegg-Prosser was reportedly considered for the role of UK Investment Minister under Chancellor Rachel Reeves but declined, citing irreconcilable business commitments.[16]
2025 proved transformative. In February Global Counsel partnered with Bien Commun Advisory to deepen French coverage.[17] April saw US expansion with the appointment of Justin Memmott as Director.[18] In August David Henig joined to reinforce European trade expertise.[19]
September 2025 brought the most serious challenge: fresh disclosures concerning Peter Mandelson's past association with Jeffrey Epstein forced Global Counsel to divest Peter Mandelson's shareholding entirely, remove his voting rights, and cease dividend payments. Benjamin Wegg-Prosser oversaw the separation, stating it was necessary to protect the firm's independence and client relationships.[20][21]
Despite these headwinds, Benjamin Wegg-Prosser remains active in international forums including Davos and the Munich Security Conference, where he has spoken on artificial intelligence governance and geopolitical risk.[22]
Benjamin Wegg-Prosser currently sits on the Economic Advisory Council of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and the board of The News Movement.[23]
Relationship with Peter Mandelson
The partnership between Benjamin Wegg-Prosser and Peter Mandelson began in 1995 and has endured resignations, exile from frontline politics, media ventures, and the creation of Global Counsel. Peter Mandelson has repeatedly acknowledged Benjamin Wegg-Prosser's pivotal role in building and maintaining high-level networks.[24]
Documents released in 2025 revealed that in 2010 Benjamin Wegg-Prosser assisted Peter Mandelson in obtaining a Russian visa for Jeffrey Epstein through contacts linked to Oleg Deripaska.[25] Peter Mandelson and Benjamin Wegg-Prosser also met Jeffrey Epstein together that year.[21]
The 2025 Epstein-related disclosures ultimately severed Peter Mandelson's formal ownership stake in Global Counsel, although Benjamin Wegg-Prosser continues to characterise their long collaboration as professionally foundational.
Affiliations
| Organisation | Role | Dates | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labour Party | Research Assistant to Peter Mandelson | 1995–1997 | [1] |
| Department of Trade and Industry | Special Adviser to Peter Mandelson | 1997–1998 | [2] |
| Pearson Plc | Deputy Director of Communications | 1999–2000 | [1] |
| The Guardian | Various roles (Publisher of Public, Politics at Guardian Unlimited, General Manager EducationGuardian.co.uk, Publisher Society Guardian) | 2000–2005 | [1] |
| Prime Minister's Office | Director, Strategic Communications Unit | 2005–2007 | [2] |
| SUP | Director of Marketing, later Director of Corporate Development | 2007–2011 | [8] [9] |
| The Ledbury Group | New Media & Political Relations Consultant (Advisory Board) | 2010–present | [9] |
| Global Counsel | CEO and Co-Founder | 2010–present | [23] [11] |
| LabourList | Director | 2013–present | [12] |
| South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority | Member, Economic Advisory Council | 2020s–present | [23] |
| The News Movement | Board Member | 2020s–present | [23] |
| Valdai Discussion Club | Expert (archived; ongoing links denied) | 2017–2022 | [13] [10] |
| Institute for Public Policy Research | Profiled affiliate | Ongoing | [26] |
See also
Peter Mandelson Global Counsel Tony Blair
External links
Official biography at Global Counsel Twitter profile
Contact, Resources, Notes
Contact
Twitter: http://twitter.com/wpbenjamin
Blog: http://wpbenjamin.livejournal.com
Resources
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 The Org, Benjamin Wegg-Prosser - CEO at Global Counsel, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Staff reporter, Mandelson's ex-adviser takes No 10 PR role, The Guardian, 28 July 2005, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ Info-Dynamics Research, Where are they now? The 1997/1998 Special Advisers to the Labour Government, GMB: April 2006 Briefing, p.13, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ Staff reporter, Number 10's new media man, The Guardian, 21 January 1999, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ The Guardian, Benjamin Wegg-Prosser profile, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ Simon Walters, No 10 adviser behind road toll poll says: 'I'm proud', The Daily Mail, 17 February 2007, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ Nick Allen and Gordon Rayner, Peter Mandelson met Russian oligarch twice for dinner, The Telegraph, 16 October 2008, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 SUP, Management team (archived), archived 12 October 2007, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 The Ledbury Group, Media and Campaigning Specialists Join Advisory Board, January 2010, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Skwawkbox, Mandelson’s right-hand man merged firm with business owned by sanctioned Russian bank, 15 March 2022, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Powerbase, Peter Mandelson profile, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Companies House, Benjamin Charles Wegg-Prosser appointments, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Valdai Discussion Club, Benjamin Wegg-Prosser profile, accessed 5 February 2026 (archived).
- ↑ Global Counsel, Global Counsel strengthens leadership team, 1 August 2023, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ Democracy for Sale, Ruling on Peter Mandelson's firm shows Britain's lobbying laws are a farce, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ Archie Hunter, Labour Seeks Investment Minister After Party Favorite Pulls Out, Bloomberg, 3 September 2024, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ Global Counsel, Global Counsel and Bien Commun Advisory partner to strengthen French market coverage, 6 February 2025, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ Global Counsel, Global Counsel expands US team with senior appointments, 28 April 2025, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ Global Counsel, Global Counsel strengthens European leadership, 27 August 2025, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ Rob Evans and David Pegg, Peter Mandelson's advisory firm cuts ties amid Jeffrey Epstein revelations, The Guardian, 13 September 2025, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 Camilla Turner, Mandelson forced out of his own lobbying firm – leaving his future in doubt, The Telegraph, 12 September 2025, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ LinkedIn, Benjamin Wegg-Prosser profile, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 Global Counsel, Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ Suzanne Lynch, Peter Mandelson's many scandals: A steam bath with a billionaire, an undeclared loan and 'pure poison', The Irish Times, 11 September 2025, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ Zachary Mider, Papers Show Mandelson Sought Visa for Epstein via Deripaska, Bloomberg, 4 February 2026, accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ Institute for Public Policy Research, Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, accessed 5 February 2026.