Swinney Orders Investigation into Scottish Government Dealings with Peter Mandelson
First Minister John Swinney has instructed a comprehensive investigation into the Scottish Government's historical and recent dealings with former Labour minister Peter Mandelson. This move comes as Lord Mandelson faces a police probe over allegations of misconduct in public office, with newly released documents suggesting he passed government information to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during the 2008 financial crisis.
Probe Focuses on Potential Undermining of Scottish Interests
Speaking to ITV Border, Mr Swinney expressed deep concern about whether Scotland's interests had been compromised through interactions with Lord Mandelson. The First Minister revealed he has asked the Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Government to conduct what he termed an "investigatory audit" of all transactions during the financial crash period and more recent engagements.
"What I'm now concerned about is that now we know there's information about the supply of material by Peter Mandelson in the financial crash to Jeffrey Epstein, I'm now concerned about the implications of that for Scotland," Mr Swinney stated. The investigation will specifically examine dealings related to whisky tariffs in the United States from last year.
Mandelson's Resignation and Ongoing Police Investigation
Lord Mandelson resigned from the House of Lords this week following further revelations about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The former US ambassador, who served under both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, is currently under police investigation regarding alleged misconduct in public office. Documents released by the US Department of Justice appear to show Mandelson passing government information to Epstein during the height of the financial crisis.
A Scottish Government spokesperson later confirmed: "The First Minister has asked the Permanent Secretary to commission an investigatory audit of records to identify any meetings, government papers or correspondence involving Peter Mandelson during his time as a member or representative of the UK Government. This will enable the Scottish Government to assess any associated risks."
Political Fallout and Cross-Party Criticism
The First Minister strongly criticised the Prime Minister's judgment in originally appointing Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, describing it as a "disastrous and very dangerous decision." Mr Swinney questioned why the appointment proceeded despite existing knowledge of Mandelson's friendship with Epstein.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar echoed these concerns, telling journalists: "It's quite clearly the case that Peter Mandelson should not have been the ambassador to the US. It's right that he is not a member of the Labour Party and he should not sit in the House of Lords." Mr Sarwar acknowledged the Prime Minister's admission that with current knowledge, he would not have made the appointment.
Westminster Reactions and Political Counter-Accusations
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has been among the most vocal critics calling for Lord Mandelson's expulsion from the Lords. However, the situation has sparked broader political tensions, with Mr Sarwar hitting back at what he called "frankly disgusting" comparisons between the Mandelson-Epstein relationship and connections involving Labour MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy with convicted paedophile Sean Morton.
Mr Sarwar contrasted his party's actions with the SNP's handling of former MP Patrick Grady, who was suspended from the Commons for inappropriate behaviour toward a staff member. "They stood by and defended and protected someone who was found guilty by standards for sexual offences – Patrick Grady," Mr Sarwar asserted.
In response, Mr Flynn criticised Mr Sarwar's judgment, stating: "Anas Sarwar has shown appalling judgment over his close relationship with Peter Mandelson and Pam Duncan-Glancy. He embraced Mandelson and boasted that he was his 'old friend' despite knowing that he maintained contact with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein."
Investigation Scope and Broader Implications
The Scottish Government investigation will examine two distinct periods: transactions during the 2008 financial crisis when Mandelson served as Business Secretary, and more recent engagements concerning US whisky tariffs. Mr Swinney emphasised the importance of determining whether Scotland's position was undermined during these critical negotiations.
"It is absolutely and completely unacceptable that at a time where we faced the implications of the financial crash, or even last year, when I was trying to advance the interests of Scotland, that our approach was undermined by Peter Mandelson," the First Minister declared. The investigation represents a significant escalation in political scrutiny surrounding Mandelson's actions and their potential impact on Scottish affairs.
