In the early hours of Tuesday morning, at approximately 2 o'clock, Peter Mandelson was photographed returning to his London residence after spending nine hours in police custody. This followed his arrest on Monday, which occurred despite a prior agreement with law enforcement that he would attend a voluntary interview next month.
Legal Response and Statement
Just two hours after his release, a strongly worded statement was issued on Mandelson's behalf by his prestigious legal firm, Mishcon de Reya. The statement asserted that the arrest was based on an unfounded allegation that Mandelson intended to leave the country and reside abroad permanently, a claim described as having "absolutely no truth whatsoever." It emphasized Mandelson's commitment to cooperating fully with the police investigation to clear his name.
Expanding Legal Defence
Mishcon de Reya is now one of three legal firms engaged in Mandelson's defence, all of which are expected to incur significant costs. In addition to Mishcon de Reya, Mandelson has retained the services of Ian Burton from BCL Solicitors, a London-based lawyer with over five decades of experience. Burton is recognized as a leading specialist in white-collar crime and has represented several controversial high-profile clients.
Notably, Burton previously acted for retail magnate Sir Philip Green, who faced criticism from MPs for his role in the collapse of BHS in 2015, where he extracted substantial dividends while the company's pension deficit ballooned. Burton also represented Green in 2019 regarding allegations of inappropriate touching by a pilates instructor. Additionally, he handled legal matters for the late Mohamed Fayed, the former owner of Harrods, in relation to the 1997 car crash that killed Fayed's son Dodi and Diana, Princess of Wales.
Third Legal Advisor
The third member of Mandelson's legal team is Adrian Darbishire KC, Joint Head of Chambers at QEB Hollis Whiteman. Darbishire specializes in high-stakes white-collar crime and professional discipline cases. He has been seen at Mandelson's £7.5 million home in Regent's Park recently, indicating close involvement in the case.
Darbishire has a notable track record, including successfully representing Boris Johnson in 2019 when the High Court dismissed an attempt to prosecute him over allegations of misconduct in public office related to claims made during the 2016 EU referendum campaign. This background underscores the caliber of legal expertise now assembled for Mandelson's defence.
Background and Implications
Mandelson, a disgraced former ambassador to Washington, was escorted from his London home by police officers on Monday. The arrest has sparked significant media attention, with his legal team working diligently behind the scenes. Ian Burton highlighted the discreet nature of much of his work, stating, "A lot of it is very much below the surface. The trick in our game is not to win the fight, but to avoid there being a fight."
This approach suggests a strategic effort to manage the situation proactively, aiming to resolve matters without public confrontation. As the investigation continues, Mandelson's priority remains clearing his name through cooperation with authorities, supported by a formidable trio of legal advisors.
