The Metropolitan Police has launched a criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson over allegations of misconduct in public office, following claims that the former Labour minister passed sensitive government information to US financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Emails released by the US Department of Justice appear to show Lord Mandelson forwarded information to Epstein while serving as business secretary under former Prime Minister Gordon Brown in 2009. The correspondence reportedly included material related to the 2008 financial crash.
Lord Mandelson has not responded to requests for comment, though sources indicate he maintains he acted lawfully and was not motivated by financial gain.
A government spokesperson said: “The government stands ready to provide whatever support and assistance the police need.”
Lord Mandelson, who was removed from his post as the UK’s ambassador to the US last year, has told parliamentary authorities he plans to resign from the House of Lords on Wednesday.
The Scottish National Party and Reform UK previously reported the peer to Scotland Yard, and the UK government referred relevant documents to the police after reviewing emails Mandelson appeared to have sent to Epstein.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown confirmed he had written to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley with information regarding Mandelson’s communications with Epstein. Brown described the alleged conduct as an “inexcusable and unpatriotic act at a time when the whole government and country were attempting to address the global financial crisis.”
Met Police Commander Ella Marriott said: “Following the further release of millions of court documents in relation to Jeffrey Epstein by the United States Department of Justice, 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. The Met will continue to assess all relevant information brought to our attention as part of this investigation and won’t be commenting any further at this time.”
