Peter Mandelson Faces Potential Police Investigation Over Epstein Email Leaks
Newly released documents from the Jeffrey Epstein files have sparked a major political scandal, with former Business Secretary Peter Mandelson at the centre of allegations that he leaked sensitive government information to the disgraced financier. The Metropolitan Police are now assessing multiple reports of alleged misconduct in a public office, which could lead to a formal criminal inquiry.
Emails Reveal Confidential Government Details Shared with Epstein
The disclosures, part of a vast cache released by the US Department of Justice, appear to show Mandelson sent a string of emails to Epstein containing confidential details from the UK government during the height of the global financial crisis. While serving under Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Mandelson allegedly forwarded information including a document outlining £20bn in asset sales, discussions on bankers' bonuses, and an imminent €500bn euro bailout package.
One particularly damning email from June 2009, with the subject line "Business issues," was sent by Brown's special adviser Nick Butler and contained significant policy details. Mandelson forwarded this to Epstein with the note: "Interesting note that's gone to the PM." Epstein then inquired about "salable assets," to which a reply from a redacted address suggested "Land, property I guess." Four months later, the government announced plans for asset sales hoping to raise £16bn.
Political Fallout and Calls for Resignation
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ordered an investigation by the cabinet secretary and demanded Mandelson resign from the House of Lords. Gordon Brown has also requested the cabinet secretary investigate the alleged leaks, describing the new information as "shocking" and calling for a wider inquiry into disclosures during the financial crisis.
In Parliament, MPs from across parties expressed fury over Mandelson's apparent willingness to share government papers with Epstein. The SNP and Reform UK have reported Mandelson to police, while Labour's Emily Thornberry stated his actions should merit a criminal inquiry. Commander Ella Marriott of the Metropolitan Police confirmed reports are being reviewed to determine if they meet the criminal threshold for investigation.
Further Revelations and Historical Context
The emails also reveal that Epstein paid $75,000 into bank accounts believed to benefit Mandelson and sent £10,000 to Mandelson's partner for an osteopathy course. In another exchange, Mandelson suggested JPMorgan boss Jamie Dimon should "mildly threaten" then-Chancellor Alistair Darling regarding bonus curbs, a call that reportedly took place.
Former Treasury permanent secretary Nick Macpherson noted there had long been suspicions about leaks during that period, stating: "Alistair Darling and the official Treasury were always aware that investment banks had an inside track to No 10. But the brazen nature of that inside track is rather breathtaking."
Consequences and Procedural Challenges
No 10 has written to Lords authorities urging modernization of disciplinary procedures to potentially strip Mandelson of his peerage, though this would require unprecedented primary legislation. Government insiders hope Mandelson will resign voluntarily, but no assurances have been received. The Cabinet Office review timeframe remains unclear, and it may examine National Archives documents and interview contemporaries from Mandelson's time in government.
As the scandal unfolds, Starmer faces renewed questions about his judgment in appointing Mandelson as US ambassador and his connections to senior Labour figures. Mandelson resigned his Labour membership only recently, adding to the political turmoil surrounding these revelations from one of Britain's most controversial political figures.
