The Metropolitan Police have conducted searches at two addresses, including the London residence of former Labour minister Lord Peter Mandelson, as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office. Officers were seen entering the property near Regent's Park in Central London on Friday afternoon, with one individual reportedly wearing a body camera during the operation.
Police Investigation Details
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hayley Sewart of the Metropolitan Police confirmed in an official statement that specialist crime officers executed search warrants at addresses in the Camden area of London and in Wiltshire. The investigation focuses on a 72-year-old man, identified as Lord Mandelson, who has not been arrested at this stage while inquiries continue.
The police action follows allegations that emerged from documents released as part of the Jeffrey Epstein files, which suggest that during his tenure as business secretary following the 2008 financial crisis, Mandelson may have shared market-sensitive government information with the convicted sex offender.
Political Fallout and Resignations
Lord Mandelson has resigned from the Labour Party and stepped down from his position in the House of Lords amid the growing controversy. The former political heavyweight has maintained through BBC sources that he did not commit any criminal acts and that his actions were not motivated by personal financial gain.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure over his decision to appoint Mandelson as Britain's ambassador to the United States. In a recent speech, Starmer defended his handling of the situation, accusing Mandelson of providing false information during the vetting process for the diplomatic role.
Document Release and Security Concerns
The full extent of what was known about Mandelson's relationship with Epstein is expected to become clearer when relevant appointment documents are published following a parliamentary motion demanding their release. However, the publication process faces potential delays as Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee must review any materials the Government wishes to withhold for national security reasons.
The Metropolitan Police has specifically requested that certain documents remain confidential, citing concerns that premature disclosure could compromise their ongoing criminal investigation.
Internal Labour Party Tensions
Within government circles, Prime Minister Starmer faces calls from Labour MPs to dismiss his most senior adviser, Morgan McSweeney. Several parliamentarians blame the Downing Street chief of staff for advocating Mandelson's appointment as the UK's top diplomat in Washington despite the emerging allegations.
Starmer has publicly apologised to Epstein's victims for initially believing what he described as Mandelson's "lies" about the nature of his relationship with the financier. The Prime Minister emphasised that "none of us knew the depth of the darkness" surrounding Mandelson's connections when the diplomatic appointment was made.
The investigation continues as police examine evidence from both searched properties, with further developments expected as more documents become available through parliamentary processes.
