Peter Mandelson has been released on bail after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following allegations he leaked sensitive information to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The former Labour minister was questioned by Metropolitan Police officers and returned to his London home early on Tuesday.
The arrest, which occurred on Monday afternoon, saw Mandelson escorted from his home in Camden by plainclothes officers and driven away in an unmarked car for questioning. A police spokesperson confirmed that a 72-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and later bailed pending further investigation.
The Metropolitan Police is investigating claims that Mandelson passed Downing Street emails and market-sensitive information to Epstein during his time as business secretary. Mandelson has denied any wrongdoing. The investigation began earlier this month following the release of files related to Epstein.
The arrest comes days before a crucial by-election in Gorton and Denton, Greater Manchester, and has reignited criticism of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's decision to appoint Mandelson as US ambassador. Starmer has apologised to Epstein's victims for the appointment, acknowledging that Mandelson lied about the extent of his relationship with the financier.
Separately, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor also faces a misconduct investigation, with Thames Valley Police continuing searches of properties. Downing Street has been compelled to release documents related to Mandelson's appointment to the intelligence and security committee, with the first tranche expected in early March, though exchanges between Starmer and Mandelson will be withheld until the police investigation concludes.
