Police have executed search warrants at two properties linked to former UK ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson as part of an investigation into misconduct in public office. The searches, in Camden, north London, and Wiltshire, relate to allegations that Mandelson passed market-sensitive information to the late convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Metropolitan Police confirmed no arrest has been made, with the suspect described as a 72-year-old man.
The development intensifies pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who faces renewed calls to sack his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, over his role in Mandelson's appointment. Labour MP Simon Opher added his voice to those demanding McSweeney's departure, while a former No 10 aide, Ben Wegg-Prosser, resigned as chief executive of lobbying firm Global Counsel, which he co-founded with Mandelson, after emails revealed their involvement with Epstein.
The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) has written to Starmer setting out expectations ahead of the release of government documents related to Mandelson's appointment. The BBC reported that the total number of documents could approach 100,000. Starmer believes the files will show Mandelson lied during his vetting, but their publication may prove embarrassing for the government as they include communications with ministers and senior officials.
Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan called for Starmer's resignation, saying the party cannot continue "lurching from one crisis to the next." However, Home Office minister Mike Tapp defended the prime minister, stating he "wasn't the vetting officer" and acted quickly. Labour MSP Monica Lennon described Mandelson's name as making her "skin crawl," accusing him of abusing public trust.
More than 50 Labour MPs also signed a letter urging the government to reconsider its refusal to compensate Waspi women, highlighting broader backbench unrest. Additionally, a thinktank previously run by McSweeney, Labour Together, is alleged to have hired a PR firm to investigate journalists probing its funding, according to a Substack publication.
