The Metropolitan Police have executed search warrants at two separate addresses as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office involving former Labour peer Peter Mandelson. The searches were carried out at properties in Camden, north London, and in the Wiltshire area, with police confirming that no arrests have been made at this stage.
Investigation Focuses on Epstein Links
This police action forms part of a wider investigation that centres on allegations that Lord Mandelson, while serving as business secretary following the 2008 financial crisis, passed market-sensitive information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation has gained momentum following the latest release of documents related to Epstein's activities.
In a statement confirming the searches, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hayley Sewart said: "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. He has not been arrested and enquiries are ongoing."
Political Pressure Mounts on Starmer
The investigation has placed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer under increasing political pressure, particularly regarding his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States in 2024. Sir Keir has faced demands to release documents related to the peer's vetting process for that diplomatic role.
Downing Street has indicated that the government will "publish shortly" the relevant documents, with the prime minister's official spokesperson emphasising the importance of making papers available to parliament as quickly as possible. However, Sky News understands that the government is working with police to ensure any document release does not undermine the ongoing investigation.
Internal Labour Criticism Grows
The scandal has sparked significant criticism within Labour ranks, with some parliamentarians calling for a "clear out" at Number 10. Labour backbencher Simon Opher told the BBC: "If my chief of staff had done this, I think he would be looking for another job."
Veteran Labour MP Clive Efford and Southport MP Patrick Hurley have also suggested that the prime minister's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney - who was a close political ally of Lord Mandelson - should leave his position at Downing Street.
Mandelson's Political Fallout
Following the partial release of Epstein files last year, Sir Keir Starmer sacked Lord Mandelson from his ambassadorial role after it emerged how close the pair had been. The prime minister has since apologised for believing what he described as Lord Mandelson's "lies" about his relationship with Epstein.
The release of another tranche of documents in early 2026 saw Mandelson quitting the Labour Party and resigning from the House of Lords. The documents associated with his vetting to become ambassador will eventually be made public, although the Intelligence and Security Committee will determine what information should be redacted for national security reasons.
Ongoing Police Assessment
Officials are understood to be in the early stages of assessing thousands of documents related to the case. Former cabinet minister Harriet Harman has warned that Sir Keir could lose his premiership if he does not take appropriate action, describing the situation as requiring a "real reset" in Downing Street.
Despite the mounting pressure, no major figures from Labour's current frontline politics have yet publicly criticised the prime minister or his staff directly. The Metropolitan Police investigation continues as authorities work through the complex web of allegations and documentation surrounding this high-profile case.
