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Metropolitan Police investigate former minister
Two residences connected to Lord Peter Mandelson-one in Wiltshire and another in north London-were searched this week as part of a criminal probe into alleged misconduct in public office. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the operation but stated that Mandelson, a former Labour cabinet minister, has not been arrested and remains under investigation.
Allegations of sharing sensitive government data
The inquiry centers on accusations that Mandelson disclosed market-sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein, the late convicted sex offender and U.S. financier. According to documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice, emails from 2008 show Mandelson-then serving as business secretary under Prime Minister Gordon Brown-discussing Treasury proposals for a one-off tax on bankers' bonuses with Epstein.
Two days after their initial exchange, further correspondence suggests Epstein sought Mandelson's advice on whether Jamie Dimon, then-CEO of JPMorgan Chase, should contact then-Chancellor Alistair Darling. Mandelson reportedly advised Epstein to "mildly threaten" Darling in the conversation.
Additional emails indicate Mandelson may have tipped off Epstein about a €500 billion EU bailout to stabilize the euro, though the UK did not contribute to the fund. Darling was present during the Brussels negotiations.
Police conduct searches at two addresses
Officers arrived at Mandelson's Camden residence on Tuesday, where the 72-year-old was present. Witnesses reported seeing police briefly inspect a vehicle outside before entering the property and later removing several boxes. The search at the Wiltshire property proceeded without forced entry, with officers seen carrying archive boxes and examining outbuildings.
The Metropolitan Police stated that inquiries remain ongoing. Mandelson has not publicly commented but sources close to him told the BBC he denies any criminal wrongdoing and insists he was not motivated by financial gain. He previously expressed regret for his association with Epstein, offering an "unequivocal" apology to the financier's victims.
Government and Labour Party react to scandal
A UK government spokesperson said authorities would provide "whatever support and assistance the police need" in the investigation. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure over his decision to appoint Mandelson as UK ambassador to the U.S., a role he held briefly before resigning.
Starmer has pledged to release documents related to the appointment, though the process may be delayed. In a letter to the Intelligence and Security Committee, he acknowledged the review could involve "a very significant volume of material"-potentially up to 100,000 files-but stressed the importance of making them available to Parliament "as soon as possible." Some documents may be withheld for national security reasons or at the request of the Metropolitan Police to avoid interfering with their probe.
Starmer previously apologized to Epstein's victims, stating he was "sorry for having believed Mandelson's lies." Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown also expressed regret, writing in The Guardian that he was "revulsed" by the revelations and took "personal responsibility" for Mandelson's appointment, though he claimed he was assured at the time that Mandelson's record was "unblemished."
Political fallout intensifies
Labour MPs have sharply criticized both Mandelson and Starmer. Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson called the prime minister's handling of the situation "appallingly" poor and suggested he should "consider resigning." Alloa and Grangemouth MP Brian Leishman described Starmer's judgment as "incredibly misguided," questioning whether it was sufficient for the role of prime minister. Stroud MP Simon Opher urged Starmer to replace his advisers, singling out chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, who had ties to Mandelson.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch declared Starmer's position "untenable" and demanded a vote of no confidence. Amid the backlash, Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party on Sunday and retired from the House of Lords three days later.
Legal context of misconduct charges
The offence of misconduct in public office typically applies to civil servants, police officers, or elected officials and carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. However, the Law Commission notes that sentences rarely exceed 10 years in practice.
