Metropolitan Police Launches Criminal Probe into Lord Mandelson Over Leaked Sensitive Information to Jeffrey Epstein

United Kingdom - Ekhbary News Agency

Metropolitan Police Launches Criminal Probe into Lord Mandelson Over Leaked Sensitive Information to Jeffrey Epstein

The Metropolitan Police has officially launched a criminal investigation into prominent former Labour minister Lord Peter Mandelson, focusing on serious allegations of misconduct in public office. This significant development stems from accusations that Lord Mandelson, who also previously served as the UK's ambassador to the United States, may have divulged sensitive government information to the late American financier and convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation is reportedly fueled by a batch of emails that have emerged following a wider release of court documents by the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ).

Evidence suggests that Lord Mandelson might have forwarded market-sensitive government information to Epstein during his tenure as Business Secretary under former Prime Minister Gordon Brown in 2009. The timing of these alleged communications is particularly critical, occurring during a period of global economic turmoil following the 2008 financial crash. Emails purportedly show discussions between Mandelson and Epstein regarding the government's strategies for addressing the crisis, including plans for a levy on bankers' bonuses.

While Lord Mandelson has not yet issued a direct public statement in response to the specific allegations, sources close to him indicate that he maintains his innocence. His position is understood to be that he has not acted criminally and was not motivated by any financial gain. However, the gravity of the situation has prompted swift action from various political quarters. The UK government has confirmed its full cooperation with the police, stating its readiness to provide all necessary support and assistance.

The probe gained momentum after the Scottish National Party and Reform UK formally reported the matter to Scotland Yard. Subsequently, the UK government itself referred relevant material to the police following an initial assessment of the emails. A spokesperson for Number 10 Downing Street described the reviewed documents as containing "likely market sensitive information surrounding the 2008 financial crash," underscoring the potential implications for national economic policy and public trust.

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, under whose government Mandelson served as Business Secretary, has also stepped forward, confirming he has provided information to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley. Brown described the alleged correspondence as an "inexcusable and unpatriotic act" at a time when the government was grappling with the global financial crisis. He had previously urged the cabinet secretary to investigate the veracity of communications between Mandelson and Epstein concerning the sale of assets arising from the banking collapse.

Metropolitan Police Commander Ella Marriott confirmed the investigation, stating, "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." She added, "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 police have indicated they will continue to assess all relevant information but will refrain from further comment at this stage.

The unfolding scandal comes as Lord Mandelson prepares to resign from the House of Lords, a move he informed parliamentary authorities he intended to make on Wednesday. Although he will cease to be a member of the upper chamber, he is expected to retain his life peerage, a title that typically requires an Act of Parliament to be revoked. In response, the government is reportedly drafting legislation aimed at expediting the removal of his peerage if he is found guilty of serious wrongdoing.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has publicly condemned Lord Mandelson's alleged actions, stating that the former minister had "let his country down" and describing the purported leaking of emails as "disgraceful." Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Starmer expressed concerns that the full extent of the information may not yet have emerged, signaling a potentially broader investigation or further revelations.

The controversy has also cast a shadow over Lord Mandelson's recent appointment as the UK's ambassador to the US. While his association with Epstein was known at the time of his nomination in 2024, he was reportedly dismissed from the role last year amid mounting embarrassment over their relationship. This has led to intense scrutiny of the government's vetting processes and the extent of knowledge regarding Mandelson's past associations when the appointment was made. The government has indicated it will release information pertaining to this decision on Wednesday, though the Conservative Party plans to use parliamentary means, a "humble address," to compel the release of documents, potentially with exceptions for national security and international relations.

Opposition parties have seized upon the revelations. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch suggested the Prime Minister has "a lot of questions to answer" regarding Mandelson's appointment and criticized any attempts to shift focus towards peerage removal or investigations. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called for a full public inquiry into how Epstein managed to "gain access to the heart of the British political establishment," highlighting systemic vulnerabilities.

Lord Mandelson himself has previously expressed regret over his association with Epstein, offering an "unequivocal" apology to the victims of the financier. He has also denied allegations of receiving financial payments from Epstein two decades ago. As the Metropolitan Police investigation proceeds, the political and personal ramifications for Lord Mandelson, as well as broader questions about accountability and transparency within the UK's political system, continue to unfold.

Ekhbary News Agency