The Metropolitan Police has announced it will review reports of alleged misconduct in public office following the release of millions of court documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. The force said it will assess whether any reports meet the threshold for investigation. The documents, released by the US Department of Justice on Friday, have renewed focus on the relationship between Epstein and former Labour minister Peter Mandelson.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called for an inquiry into Mandelson’s apparent disclosure of highly sensitive government information to Epstein. Brown stated that while Mandelson must account for his actions, his decision to continue a close relationship with a convicted paedophile and discuss private government business fell below ministerial standards. He described the behaviour as “unequivocally wrong” and an insult to victims.
Mandelson resigned his membership of the Labour party last night, saying he wished to avoid causing the party “further embarrassment”. He was sacked as US ambassador last year due to his Epstein links. The Liberal Democrats and SNP have called for him to be stripped of his peerage. Lib Dem leader Ed Davey urged the government to bring forward legislation to remove Mandelson from the House of Lords.
Labour confirmed that Mandelson was already facing disciplinary action when he resigned his membership, though the grounds were not specified. Cabinet Secretary Simon Case has been ordered by the Prime Minister to investigate Mandelson’s contacts with Epstein during his time as a cabinet minister. The PM described Epstein as “a despicable criminal who committed disgusting crimes and destroyed the lives of countless women and girls”.
