Police Execute Search Warrants at Mandelson Properties in Epstein Investigation
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed officers are conducting searches at two residences connected to Lord Peter Mandelson. The operation, carried out by the Central Specialist Crime team, involves addresses in Camden and Wiltshire as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office.
Emails Reveal Confidential Document Leaks to Disgraced Financier
The police action follows last week's release of emails by the US Department of Justice that appear to show Lord Mandelson leaking sensitive government documents to Jeffrey Epstein. The 72-year-old peer, who served as UK ambassador to the United States, has not been arrested but remains at the centre of the expanding investigation.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hayley Sewart stated: "I can confirm that officers from the Met's Central Specialist Crime team are in the process of carrying out search warrants at two addresses, one in the Wiltshire area, and another in the Camden area. The searches are related to an ongoing investigation into misconduct in public office offences, involving a 72-year-old man. He has not been arrested and enquiries are ongoing."
Starmer's Leadership Thrown into Turmoil Over Appointment
Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure to explain his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, with senior Labour figures warning the scandal could end his leadership unless decisive action is taken. The controversy has triggered demands for the release of vetting documents related to the peer's appointment, with parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee promising their publication "very shortly."
During Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir admitted: "He lied repeatedly to my team when asked about his relationship with Epstein before and during his tenure as ambassador. I regret appointing him. If I knew then what I know now, he would never have been anywhere near government."
Labour Grandees Issue Stark Warnings to Prime Minister
Harriet Harman, the respected Labour peer and former deputy leader, delivered a blunt assessment of the crisis facing Starmer's leadership. Baroness Harman told Sky News: "I think it is so serious for Keir Starmer. I don't think it's inevitable that it will bring him down. But it will bring him down, unless he takes the action that is really necessary for him to take."
She added that the Prime Minister must move beyond blaming Mandelson and acknowledge his own responsibility in the appointment process. Meanwhile, left-wing Labour MP Ian Byrne suggested Sir Keir "needs a miracle" to survive the political fallout, telling Sky News the Prime Minister "has got to reflect on his position."
Global Counsel Severs Ties as Political Fallout Spreads
The lobbying firm co-founded by Lord Mandelson, Global Counsel, announced it has cut all connections with the former ambassador. The organization revealed that its chief executive, Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, will step down, stating it was "time to draw a line" between the company and Lord Mandelson's actions.
Senior government figures are now being compelled to hand over their communications with Lord Mandelson ahead of the vetting documents' release. The Prime Minister initially attempted to restrict publication on national security grounds but relented following accusations from Labour MPs of engaging in a "cover-up."
Labour backbencher Karl Turner pointed to deeper problems within Downing Street, stating: "If McSweeney is still in 10 Downing Street, the PM is up against it," referring to Starmer's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, whom some blame for pushing Mandelson's appointment.
The scandal represents the most significant crisis of Starmer's leadership, with calls growing for a "root and branch" overhaul of Downing Street operations as police continue their investigation into the serious allegations against one of Labour's most prominent figures.
