The Metropolitan Police in London has launched a criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson, former Labour government minister and former UK ambassador to the United States, over allegations of misconduct in public office.
The probe concerns claims that Mandelson passed sensitive government information to American financier Jeffrey Epstein in 2009, when Mandelson was Business Secretary in Gordon Brown’s government.
The investigation was prompted by the release of millions of documents by the US Department of Justice, which include alleged emails discussing economic measures during the global financial crisis, such as banker bonus taxes and an EU bailout package.
Documents also suggest financial payments from Epstein to Mandelson, which Mandelson has denied or claimed not to recall.
Mandelson has not publicly commented but denies any criminal wrongdoing and states he did not personally benefit financially. He has announced his intention to resign from the House of Lords, though he will retain his life peerage, which can only be revoked by special legislation.
The UK government said it is fully cooperating with the police and reviewing legislation concerning the possible removal of his title.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the matter as “shameful,” while opposition parties are calling for the release of the documents and further investigation into Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador.
