The Metropolitan Police have launched a criminal investigation into allegations that Peter Mandelson leaked confidential government information to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted child sex offender. The probe concerns emails allegedly sent while Mandelson was business secretary during the 2008 financial crash.
Scotland Yard confirmed the investigation into a 72-year-old former minister on suspicion of misconduct in public office, an offence carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Commander Ella Marriott said: "The Met will continue to assess all relevant information brought to our attention as part of this investigation."
Detectives are expected to interview Mandelson, examine his devices, and take witness statements from senior figures, including former prime minister Gordon Brown. They may also seek unredacted copies of emails from US authorities, as Mandelson reportedly used a private BT internet address to correspond with government officials.
The allegations have caused a political storm. Mandelson has resigned from the House of Lords, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he had "let his country down" and has ordered officials to consider stripping him of his peerage. The government has also referred the matter to police.
The controversy has raised questions about Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador, with some blaming the prime minister's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney. A Cabinet Office review found the emails likely contained market-sensitive information about the financial crisis and attempts to stabilise the economy.
Mandelson has said he cannot recall receiving $75,000 from Epstein and has questioned the documents' veracity. Meanwhile, Health Secretary Wes Streeting called his association with Epstein "a betrayal on so many levels."
