Ghislaine Maxwell's Nephew Is Running for Office
The nephew of convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell is running for office in a London borough.
Ted Maxwell is running as an independent candidate for a borough councilor seat, where he is campaigning on a pledge to make streets safer.
Why It Matters
Maxwell's candidacy has drawn attention because of his high-profile family background, despite his attempts to distance himself from his family name.
His grandfather, Robert Maxwell’s, publishing empire collapsed after it was revealed that hundreds of millions of pounds were misappropriated from pension funds, and his aunt, who was convicted in connection with Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking network, is serving 20 years in federal prison in the United States.
What To Know
Maxwell is running as an independent candidate for the Bethnal Green West ward in Tower Hamlets in the May local elections.
The 39-year-old's weighty last name has become a point of interest in his campaign as the Epstein scandal continues to generate headlines around the world, despite there being little evidence of a close personal relationship with his aunt, Ghislaine.
Maxwell has never publicly commented on the Epstein case, and recently told the Daily Mail, "I have well-known relatives. They are who they are. I am who I am."
He is campaigning on a platform of "safer streets" by supporting Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) and School Streets plans that restrict vehicle access near schools during peak hours. On his campaign website, Maxwell said that he was "standing for our community, not a political party."
Maxwell is the son of Ghislaine Maxwell's brother Kevin and his ex-wife, Pandora Warnford-Davis. Ghislaine is the youngest of nine siblings, several of whom publicly supported her since her arrest and have called for an appeal in her case.
Kevin Maxwell attended court hearings linked to his sister's case in New York. He has faced his own share of controversy, including bankruptcy proceedings and allegations of financial misconduct.
What People Are Saying
Ted Maxwell said on his campaign website: "Bethnal Green is home for my family. We have four children at local schools and becoming a parent has made me care more than ever about safety in our community," adding: "As an independent councillor, I will do what's right, not what a party boss tells me to do."
What Happens Next
The local elections in Tower Hamlets are scheduled for May 2026.
Newsweek's reporters and editors used Martyn, our Al assistant, to help produce this story. Learn more about Martyn.
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This story was originally published April 13, 2026 at 10:19 AM.