Peter Mandelson could be investigated by police over allegations he leaked confidential government information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during the 2008 financial crisis. The Metropolitan Police confirmed it had received reports of alleged misconduct in a public office and was assessing whether to launch a criminal inquiry.
Newly released documents from the Epstein files appear to show Mandelson, then business secretary under Gordon Brown, forwarded emails containing sensitive market information to Epstein. One email outlined £20bn in asset sales, while another revealed details of an imminent eurozone bailout package a day before its announcement in 2010.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has ordered an investigation by the cabinet secretary and called for Mandelson to resign from the House of Lords. Former Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman said Mandelson had “cast a stain” over politics and urged his removal from the Privy Council and the Lords.
Commander Ella Marriott of the Met Police said: “The reports will all be reviewed to determine if they meet the criminal threshold for investigation. As with any matter, if new and relevant information is brought to our attention we will assess it, and investigate as appropriate.”
The SNP and Reform UK have reported Mandelson to the police. One former adviser described his conduct as “treacherous”, adding: “You can imagine the sense of betrayal that those of us who worked every hour of the day during that crisis are feeling.”
The emails are part of a cache of disclosures released by the US Department of Justice. Further allegations suggest Epstein paid £75,000 into accounts linked to Mandelson and sent £10,000 to Mandelson’s partner, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, in 2009.
