Barclays boss to be grilled over his links to Andrew’s paedophile pal
The new Barclays boss faces a grilling from MPs over his links to a paedophile friend of Prince Andrew.
Jes Staley, a former JP Morgan high-flyer, is understood to have been chosen to replace ousted chief executive Antony Jenkins.
But yesterday it emerged that in 2012 he was secretly backed for the job by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein – a friend of the Duke of York who served more than a year in prison after being convicted in 2008 of paying a teenage girl for sex.
Mr Staley now looks set to be hauled before the Treasury Select Committee, where MPs will quiz him over his association with the disgraced financier. He denies asking Mr Epstein to act as his cheerleader and Barclays said its board was not lobbied by Mr Epstein.
But one Committee member said MPs will want ‘clear answers’ over his links with Mr Epstein if his role is confirmed. Though his appointment has yet to be announced, it is said to be an open secret in the City.
The Mail on Sunday reported Mr Epstein began pushing Mr Staley forward for the job in 2012 following the departure of Bob Diamond. The pair are said to have met in Mr Epstein’s New York home that year. US court papers also showed Mr Staley’s details in his contacts book. Last night MPs on the Committee said they would quiz him about Mr Epstein. Labour MP John Mann said: ‘I’m sure he would be asked about it. It requires some clear answers.’
A spokesman for Mr Staley said: ‘At no time has Mr Staley asked Mr Epstein to make representations on his behalf regarding any role.’ Barclays said: ‘Barclays categorically denies it has received any approach from Mr Epstein regarding any candidate for the vacant role.’ Mr Epstein was unavailable for comment.