Prime Minister Chairs Cabinet as Police Scrutinise Mandelson-Epstein Reports
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to chair a Cabinet meeting while the Metropolitan Police conduct a review of serious allegations against Lord Mandelson. The accusations centre on claims that the former business secretary leaked sensitive government information to the convicted paedophile financier, Jeffrey Epstein.
Police Assessment of Misconduct Allegations
The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Monday that they had received "a number of reports relating to alleged misconduct in a public office" following the release of millions of pages known as the Epstein files. A police statement indicated these reports would be thoroughly reviewed to determine whether they meet the criminal threshold for a formal investigation.
A Government spokesperson emphasised that "it is rightly for the police to determine whether to investigate" and confirmed the Government stands ready to provide any necessary support and assistance to the police inquiry.
Details from Released Documents
Files released by the US Department of Justice appear to show troubling communications between Lord Mandelson and Epstein during Mandelson's tenure as business secretary in Gordon Brown's government. The documents suggest Epstein received details of internal UK government discussions following the global financial crisis.
Specific allegations include:
- Lord Mandelson apparently telling Epstein he would lobby ministers about a proposed tax on bankers' bonuses in 2009
- The peer allegedly confirming an imminent euro bailout package to Epstein the day before its official announcement in 2010
- Bank statements from 2003-2004 appearing to show payments totalling 75,000 US dollars from Epstein to Mandelson
- Epstein reportedly paying for an osteopathy course for Lord Mandelson's husband
Government Response and Reviews
Prime Minister Starmer has taken decisive action in response to the allegations. Downing Street confirmed Sir Keir has asked Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald to conduct "an urgent review" examining all available information regarding Mandelson's contacts with Epstein during his period as a government minister.
Former prime minister Gordon Brown separately stated he had requested Sir Chris investigate the disclosure of "confidential and market sensitive information" during the financial crisis period.
Political Fallout and Resignation
The political repercussions have been swift and significant. On Sunday night, Lord Mandelson resigned his Labour Party membership, though he remains a peer. He stated he has "no record or recollection" of alleged financial payments from Epstein and told The Times that "hiding under a rock would be a disproportionate response to a handful of misguided historical emails, which I deeply regret sending."
In the Commons on Monday, Darren Jones, chief secretary to the Prime Minister, declared Lord Mandelson "must account for his actions and conduct." He emphasised that the information emerging in recent days had been unknown to both the Labour Party and Government before the files' release.
Jones added: "It is an understatement to say that his decision to continue a close relationship with a convicted paedophile, including discussing private government business, falls far below the standards expected of any minister."
Historical Context and Insider Knowledge
Nick Macpherson, former permanent secretary to the Treasury, provided historical context through a social media post suggesting then-chancellor Alistair Darling had suspicions about leaks at the time. Macpherson wrote: "Alistair Darling and the official Treasury were always aware that investment banks had an inside track to Number 10. But the brazen nature of that inside track is rather breath-taking."
Broader Implications and Related Developments
The controversy extends beyond Lord Mandelson, with calls for the King to contact lawyers representing a woman who claims Epstein sent her to the UK for a sexual encounter with Prince Andrew. The former prince features multiple times in the released documents, including images appearing to show him crouched over an unidentified woman lying on the floor.
In related developments, Sarah Ferguson's international charity announced it would close for the foreseeable future, while in the United States, representatives for former president Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary confirmed their willingness to comply with a congressional subpoena for testimony in a House investigation into Epstein.
Privy councillors Dame Emily Thornberry and SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn both called for Lord Mandelson's removal from the Privy Council, though Flynn acknowledged uncertainty about the removal process.
