The Metropolitan Police have launched a criminal investigation into allegations that former business secretary Peter Mandelson leaked confidential Downing Street emails and market-sensitive information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The probe follows the release of documents from the Epstein files, which appear to show Mandelson sharing details of internal government discussions during the 2008 financial crisis.
Detectives are expected to interview Mandelson and request access to his devices, as well as take statements from former prime minister Gordon Brown and senior civil servants. The Met also plans to seek unredacted copies of emails from the US administration, amid concerns Mandelson used a private BT internet address for correspondence with government figures.
Scotland Yard confirmed the investigation is for misconduct in public office, an offence carrying a maximum life sentence. Met Commander Ella Marriott stated: 'Following the further release of court documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein, the Met received reports into alleged misconduct in public office, including a referral from the UK government. I can confirm an investigation into a 72-year-old former government minister.'
Mandelson has said he cannot recall receiving $75,000 from Epstein, as suggested by bank statements in the documents, and has questioned their veracity. He resigned from the House of Lords on Tuesday. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Mandelson had 'let his country down' and has ordered officials to draft legislation to strip him of his peerage.
The scandal has also raised questions about Starmer's decision to appoint Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington. Government insiders say Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who was close to Mandelson, has been blamed by some MPs for pushing the appointment. Labour MPs have assessed the vulnerability of Starmer's position, with one backbencher noting McSweeney is 'completely exposed'.
