Metropolitan Police Launch Criminal Investigation into Peter Mandelson
The Metropolitan Police have formally launched a criminal investigation into allegations that former government minister Peter Mandelson leaked market-sensitive information from Downing Street to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This significant development follows the release of millions of court documents by the United States Department of Justice, which prompted multiple reports to the police.
Police Confirm Investigation into Former Minister
Commander Ella Marriott of the Metropolitan Police confirmed the investigation, stating: "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." She emphasised that the investigation follows referrals from the UK Government and other reports received after the latest document disclosures.
The police commander added that the Met would continue to assess all relevant information and would not be commenting further at this stage of the investigation.
Emails Reveal Sensitive Government Discussions
Documents released this week appear to show email conversations between Lord Mandelson and Epstein during 2009, when Mandelson served as Business Secretary and de-facto deputy prime minister in Gordon Brown's government. The communications reportedly occurred during the global financial crisis.
The emails suggest Lord Mandelson told Epstein he was "trying hard" to change government policy on bankers' bonuses and confirmed details of an imminent euro bailout package the day before its official announcement. Another email from June 2009 appears to show Mandelson forwarding to Epstein an assessment by Gordon Brown's adviser Nick Butler regarding potential policy measures, including an "asset sales plan."
Political Fallout and Mandelson's Response
The allegations have prompted significant political reaction, with the SNP, Liberal Democrats and Plaid Cymru all calling for a formal police inquiry into potential misconduct in public office. Downing Street confirmed the Cabinet Office had referred the matter to the Metropolitan Police regarding how Lord Mandelson handled sensitive information while serving as a minister.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told his Cabinet that the alleged transmission of highly sensitive government business to Epstein was "disgraceful" and that Lord Mandelson had "let his country down." Downing Street welcomed Mandelson's subsequent decision to retire from the House of Lords, which became effective overnight.
Former Prime Minister's Strong Condemnation
Gordon Brown, who was Prime Minister during the period in question, has written to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley about Lord Mandelson's contact with Epstein. Mr Brown described the alleged leak as "an inexcusable and unpatriotic act at a time when the whole government and country were attempting to address the global financial crisis that was damaging so many livelihoods."
Mandelson's Defence and Apology
Lord Mandelson's representatives have been contacted for comment on the investigation. In previous statements, Mandelson has acknowledged his association with Epstein following Epstein's 2008 conviction for procuring a child for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute.
"I was wrong to believe Epstein following his conviction and to continue my association with him afterwards," Mandelson stated. "I apologise unequivocally for doing so to the women and girls who suffered."
In a recent interview with The Times, Mandelson referred to "a handful of misguided historical emails, which I deeply regret sending." However, he has questioned the authenticity of some documents, citing what he claims are false claims about a US social security number, questionable US-dollar cheque payments, incorrect beneficiary details, and multiple basic errors in dates, spelling and formatting.
The Metropolitan Police investigation represents a significant development in a case that has attracted considerable political and public attention, with further developments expected as the investigation progresses.
