Police Scrutinise Mandelson Conduct Reports Following Epstein Document Release
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are reviewing multiple reports alleging misconduct in a public office against Labour veteran Peter Mandelson, following explosive revelations in the recently released Jeffrey Epstein files. This development comes amid mounting political pressure and calls for urgent reform to the House of Lords disciplinary procedures.
Starmer Demands Lords Rule Change Amid Growing Scandal
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for an immediate overhaul of parliamentary rules to enable the removal of disgraced peers from the House of Lords. The Labour leader stated unequivocally that Mandelson should not retain his Lords membership or title following the disturbing disclosures. However, Starmer acknowledged the current limitations of his authority, noting that the Prime Minister lacks the direct power to remove a peer from the upper chamber.
Downing Street has confirmed that Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald has been tasked with conducting an urgent review examining all available information regarding Mandelson's contacts with Epstein during his tenure as a government minister. This investigation follows former Prime Minister Gordon Brown's request to examine the disclosure of confidential and market-sensitive information during the global financial crisis.
Documentary Evidence Reveals Troubling Connections
The controversy centres on millions of pages released by the US Department of Justice last Friday, which place Mandelson firmly in the spotlight once again. The documents suggest that while serving as Business Secretary under Gordon Brown's government, Mandelson communicated sensitive government information to the convicted sex offender.
Specifically, the released files indicate that Mandelson appeared to inform Epstein about his intention to lobby ministers regarding a proposed tax on bankers' bonuses in 2009. Furthermore, he seemingly confirmed details of an imminent euro bailout package to Epstein the day before its official announcement in 2010. Additional financial records from 2003 and 2004 suggest payments totalling approximately 75,000 US dollars were made from Epstein to Mandelson, alongside claims that the financier covered the cost of an osteopathy course for Mandelson's husband.
Political Reactions and Institutional Responses
Metropolitan Police Commander Ella Marriott issued a statement confirming the force's awareness of the newly released Epstein documents and subsequent media coverage. "The Met has received a number of reports relating to alleged misconduct in a public office," Marriott stated. "The reports will all be reviewed to determine if they meet the criminal threshold for investigation."
The Liberal Democrats have been particularly vocal, explicitly calling for a police investigation into potential misconduct in public office. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described the allegations as "as serious as it gets" and "not the conduct befitting a government minister." While stopping short of directly demanding police involvement, Phillipson emphasised that any evidence of criminality should be thoroughly pursued.
Mandelson's Response and Labour Party Position
In response to the escalating scandal, Mandelson wrote to the Labour Party's general secretary on Sunday to resign his party membership. In his resignation letter, he addressed what he described as "allegations which I believe to be false" regarding financial payments from Epstein two decades ago. Mandelson stated he had "no record or recollection" of such transactions but acknowledged the need for personal investigation.
The former minister added that he wished to avoid causing "further embarrassment to the Labour Party" through his continued membership. He concluded by repeating his apology to "the women and girls whose voices should have been heard long before now," referencing Epstein's numerous victims.
A Labour Party spokesman confirmed Mandelson's departure, noting that "disciplinary action was underway prior to his resignation." The spokesman emphasised that Epstein's "heinous crimes destroyed the lives of so many women and girls," adding that the party's thoughts remain with the victims.
Broader Implications for Parliamentary Standards
This scandal has reignited debates about accountability and standards in British politics, particularly within the unelected House of Lords. Starmer's official spokesman outlined the government's position, stating: "The Prime Minister believes Peter Mandelson should not be a member of the House of Lords or use the title. However, the Prime Minister does not have the power to remove it. He is calling on those in the Lords to work with the government to modernise disciplinary procedures in the House to allow the easier removal of Lords who brought the House into disrepute."
The spokesman further clarified the government's commitment to Lords reform, including "strengthening the circumstances in which disgraced members can be removed." This case highlights ongoing tensions between traditional parliamentary privileges and contemporary demands for transparency and accountability in public life.
