Lord Mandelson Arrested in Epstein Misconduct Probe
The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Monday that Lord Peter Mandelson, the 72-year-old former Labour minister, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was taken to a London police station for questioning following allegations he passed sensitive information to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as business secretary.
Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting has publicly defended Mandelson, insisting he is "not guilty by association" with Epstein. However, the arrest marks a dramatic escalation in a scandal that has haunted British politics for years.
Detailed Timeline of Mandelson-Epstein Relationship
Investigations reveal a long and controversial association between Lord Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein, documented through emails, photographs, and official records.
2002: According to The Times, Lord Mandelson wrote a memo encouraging then-Prime Minister Tony Blair to meet with Epstein, indicating early efforts to facilitate connections.
2003: A birthday book compiled by convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell included a message from Mandelson to Epstein, where he described the financier as his "best pal." This document was later released by the US House Committee on Oversight and Reform.
2006: As Florida police recommended Epstein be charged with four counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor, Bloomberg reported that Lord Mandelson told Epstein, "I am following you closely and here whenever you need," after Epstein mentioned attempting to set up another prosecutor meeting. Following Epstein's arrest, Mandelson asked for updates, saying "keep me posted."
2007: Epstein's lawyers engaged in discussions with Miami attorney Alexander Acosta about a plea bargain to avoid prosecution, a negotiation that would later become infamous.
2008: Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution and soliciting a minor, receiving an 18-month sentence in a minimum-security prison. A secret arrangement with the US attorney's office prevented prosecution for more serious federal crimes.
During this period, emails reported by The Sun showed Lord Mandelson expressing support for Epstein, including one stating, "Your friends stay with you and love you." He also advised Epstein to "fight for early release" shortly before the prison sentence began.
2009: An internal JP Morgan bank report suggested Lord Mandelson stayed at Epstein's Manhattan apartment while Epstein was serving his sentence. Epstein was released after 13 months.
2019: Epstein was arrested on sex trafficking charges after New York lawyers concluded they were not bound by the earlier non-prosecution agreement. He was found dead in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Centre a month later.
That same year, a photograph of Lord Mandelson with Epstein on St Barts was published, thrusting their affiliation into the public spotlight.
2025: Lord Mandelson told a Financial Times reporter to "f*** off" when questioned about his relationship with Epstein. The US House Oversight Committee released documents from the Epstein estate, including the birthday book with Mandelson's message.
In an interview with The Sun's Harry Cole Saves the West programme, Mandelson described his birthday message as "very embarrassing." Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer subsequently asked him to stand down from his position.
2026: Lord Mandelson appeared in over three million documents released by the US Department of Justice related to Epstein. The Met Police launched a criminal investigation into allegations he passed sensitive information to Epstein during his time as business secretary, culminating in his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Political Fallout and Ongoing Investigation
The arrest has significant implications for the Labour Party and British politics. Lord Mandelson, a key figure in New Labour and former business secretary, now faces serious legal scrutiny. The Metropolitan Police investigation continues, focusing on whether confidential government information was improperly shared with Epstein.
This case underscores the enduring impact of the Epstein scandal on public figures and institutions, with potential consequences for political trust and accountability in the United Kingdom.
