The Metropolitan Police have launched a criminal investigation into allegations that former business secretary Peter Mandelson leaked confidential Downing Street emails and market-sensitive information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The probe follows the release of documents from the Epstein files, which appear to show Mandelson sharing details of internal government discussions during the 2008 financial crisis.
The investigation focuses on suspected misconduct in public office, an offence carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Detectives are expected to interview Mandelson, request access to his devices, and take statements from senior Labour figures, including former prime minister Gordon Brown, and civil servants from the period. They may also seek unredacted copies of the emails from US authorities.
Scotland Yard confirmed the investigation on Tuesday night, with Met Commander Ella Marriott stating: 'Following the further release of millions of court documents in relation to Jeffrey Epstein... the Met received a number of reports into alleged misconduct in public office, including a referral from the UK government. I can confirm that the Metropolitan police has now launched an investigation into a 72-year-old man, a former government minister, for misconduct in public office offences.'
Mandelson has said he cannot recall receiving $75,000 from Epstein, as suggested by bank statements in the documents, and has questioned their veracity. He resigned from the House of Lords on Tuesday afternoon. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Mandelson's actions as a 'betrayal', saying he had 'let his country down', and has ordered officials to draft legislation to strip him of his peerage.
The scandal has also raised questions about Starmer's decision to appoint Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington, with his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, facing criticism for backing the appointment. Government insiders say the prime minister's position may be vulnerable, though No 10 has been assessing the fallout.
