Lord Speaker to Hold Urgent Meeting with Metropolitan Police Over Misidentification
The Speaker of the House of Lords, Lord Forsyth of Drumlean, is scheduled to meet with the Metropolitan Police on Thursday. This urgent meeting follows media reports that incorrectly identified him as the source of information which led to the arrest of Lord Peter Mandelson.
Incorrect Media Reports Spark Controversy
Several media outlets wrongly stated that Lord Forsyth had passed information to the police ahead of Lord Mandelson's arrest on Monday. The former ambassador to Washington was detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Lord Mandelson has been accused of passing sensitive information to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as business secretary. He has since been bailed until May.
Commons Speaker Reveals He Was the Actual Source
In a statement to the Commons on Wednesday, Sir Lindsay Hoyle disclosed that he was the actual source of the information provided to the Metropolitan Police. Sir Lindsay explained that he had passed the information "in good faith, as is my duty and responsibility." It is understood that Sir Lindsay heard the information while visiting the British Virgin Islands between February 16 and 20, during a parliamentary recess.
Media reports had previously suggested that the Met arrested Lord Mandelson because he could be a flight risk, a claim his lawyers described as a "baseless suggestion."
Lord Speaker Seeks Clarification and Apology
A House of Lords source revealed that Lord Forsyth is seeking clarification from the Metropolitan Police regarding how he came to be incorrectly named in the media reports. The source stated that Lord Forsyth wants to know why he was not contacted about the issue when the false information was being circulated.
Additionally, the Lord Speaker has raised questions about why the false information was not followed by a correction and an apology from those responsible. The Metropolitan Police has already apologised to Sir Lindsay for "inadvertently revealing information during an investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office."
Ongoing Investigation and Police Response
The Metropolitan Police has been contacted for further comment on the matter. The investigation into Lord Mandelson's alleged misconduct continues, with the police emphasising their commitment to handling sensitive information appropriately. This incident highlights the challenges of managing high-profile cases in the public eye and the importance of accurate reporting in legal matters.
