Lord Peter Mandelson Arrested in Epstein-Linked Misconduct Investigation
Former Labour minister and US ambassador Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, with Metropolitan Police officers conducting searches at his properties in London and Wiltshire. The 72-year-old was seen being led from his Camden home and placed into a police vehicle on Monday, February 23, 2026, as part of an ongoing investigation connected to revelations from the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Police Operation and Allegations
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed the arrest, stating: "Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was arrested at an address in Camden on Monday, February 23 and has been taken to a London police station for interview." The spokesperson added that search warrants were executed at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden areas as part of the investigation.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hayley Sewart provided further details, explaining: "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."
Epstein Files Connection
The investigation centers on allegations that Lord Mandelson passed market-sensitive information to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as business secretary during Gordon Brown's Labour administration. This period coincided with the 2008 financial crisis and its aftermath, raising significant concerns about potential breaches of public trust.
Documents released by the Department of Justice show Lord Mandelson appearing in Epstein's Paris home, photographed in his underwear. Additionally, financial records reveal a series of payments from Epstein to Mandelson and his husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva.
Political Fallout and Responses
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who once considered Mandelson an ally, has publicly condemned his actions. Starmer stated: "He betrayed our country, our Parliament and my party. 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."
The Prime Minister acknowledged being aware of Mandelson's ongoing friendship with Epstein when he brought him back into government, but emphasized that the full extent of the relationship was concealed from him.
Previous Controversies and Current Status
Lord Mandelson was previously dismissed from his role as US ambassador in September 2025 due to his connections with Epstein. In an interview with The Times, he admitted to a "lapse in judgment" regarding funding Epstein provided to his husband for an osteopathy course, but has not responded to the latest allegations of misconduct in public office.
The Metropolitan Police have launched a criminal investigation into whether sensitive government information was improperly shared with Epstein during Mandelson's tenure as business secretary. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing scrutiny of political figures connected to the Epstein case.
