SNP Leader Demands Police Investigation into Peter Mandelson Over Epstein Files
Stephen Flynn, the SNP's Westminster leader, has formally called for a police investigation into Lord Peter Mandelson following the release of documents related to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. In a letter to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, Flynn has urged authorities to examine potential evidence of criminality and misconduct in public office.
Serious Allegations of Information Sharing and Financial Transactions
The SNP leader highlighted what he described as "serious allegations" within the Epstein files, suggesting sensitive state information may have been exchanged between Lord Mandelson and the disgraced financier. Furthermore, Flynn asserted the documents indicate Mandelson and his family might have received substantial sums of money from Epstein.
"The disgraceful revelations about Lord Peter Mandelson's relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and his actions as a UK Labour government minister, are shocking and must be fully investigated," Flynn declared. "There is no question that Lord Mandelson's actions were shameful and unethical – the only question is the extent to which his actions breached the ministerial code and the law."
Prime Minister's Response and Parliamentary Implications
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has instructed Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald to review all available information concerning Mandelson's contacts with Epstein during his tenure as a government minister. Downing Street clarified that while the Prime Minister believes Mandelson should not retain his House of Lords membership or title, he lacks the authority to revoke the peerage directly.
This development follows Lord Mandelson's resignation from the Labour Party on Sunday night, a move he stated was to prevent "further embarrassment" in light of the latest revelations about his association with Epstein.
Pressure Mounts on Scottish Labour Leader
Meanwhile, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar faces increasing demands to disclose all private communications with Lord Mandelson. SNP Westminster deputy leader Pete Wishart has challenged Sarwar to be transparent about their relationship, particularly referencing a meeting in April 2025 after which Sarwar reportedly described Mandelson as an "old friend."
Wishart insisted: "It is in the interests of the Scottish public and for the integrity of Scottish public office that you disclose all correspondence shared between yourself and Lord Peter Mandelson, including all emails and private messages." He specifically called for publication of a full minute from the April 2025 meeting and information allegedly shared by Mandelson with Sarwar in October 2024.
Documentary Evidence and Financial Details
Recently released US documents include a 2009 email exchange where Lord Mandelson, then serving as business secretary, appeared to inform Epstein he would lobby ministers regarding a tax on bankers' bonuses. Additional financial records from 2003 and 2004 suggest Mandelson received payments totalling $75,000 (approximately £54,735) from Epstein, who also reportedly funded an osteopathy course for Mandelson's husband.
Sarwar acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating people would be "horrified" by the information about Mandelson in the latest Epstein file batch. While affirming Mandelson's departure from Labour was "right," Sarwar noted that any decision about his Lords membership rests with Parliament, potentially requiring legislation rather than a simple political decision.
The unfolding scandal continues to raise significant questions about accountability, transparency, and the appropriate response to allegations involving high-profile political figures and their associations with convicted criminals.
