Former Labour minister Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he passed sensitive information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The 72-year-old was released on bail early on Tuesday after being questioned by Metropolitan Police officers.
Mandelson, who served as business secretary and later as ambassador to the United States, was escorted from his north London home by plainclothes officers on Monday afternoon. Police confirmed he was arrested at an address in Camden and taken to a London police station for interview. Searches were carried out at two addresses in Wiltshire and Camden.
The investigation centres on claims that Mandelson leaked Downing Street emails and market-sensitive information to Epstein during his time as business secretary. Mandelson has denied any wrongdoing. The Metropolitan Police said the case is complex and will require significant further evidence-gathering and analysis.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced criticism over his decision to appoint Mandelson as US ambassador in December 2024, despite knowing about Mandelson's links to Epstein. Starmer has since apologised to Epstein's victims, stating that Mandelson lied about the extent of his relationship with the late financier.
The arrest comes days after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor became the first royal family member in modern times to be taken into police custody, also on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Emails reportedly show Mountbatten-Windsor sharing confidential information with Epstein while serving as a trade envoy.
Downing Street has agreed to release documents related to Mandelson's appointment to parliament's intelligence and security committee. The first tranche of documents is expected in early March, but exchanges between Starmer and Mandelson about Epstein will not be released until the police investigation concludes.
