Lord Mandelson has announced his immediate retirement from the House of Lords, stepping down from the upper chamber amid a growing scandal involving allegations he passed confidential, market-sensitive government information to the convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Police Investigation Launched into Alleged Misconduct
The Cabinet Office has formally referred material to the police after conducting an initial review of documents released as part of the widely-publicised Epstein files. Their examination concluded the documents contained what they described as "likely market-sensitive information" and that official handling safeguards had been seriously "compromised". The police are now actively assessing this information, which relates to allegations of misconduct in public office.
Political Pressure and Legislative Threat
The resignation comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had threatened to introduce legislation within weeks specifically designed to strip Lord Mandelson of his peerage. Speaking to his Cabinet, the Prime Minister labelled the alleged transmission of highly-sensitive government business to Epstein as "disgraceful", stating unequivocally that Lord Mandelson had "let his country down". This strong condemnation from the highest levels of government created an untenable political position for the former minister.
The Lord Speaker subsequently confirmed Lord Mandelson's decision to step down, bringing his tenure in the Lords to an abrupt end. The allegations centre on the nature of information shared with Epstein, whose criminal activities and associations have been the subject of intense global scrutiny for years. The case raises significant questions about access, influence, and the safeguarding of sensitive state information.
