Police search properties linked to Mandelson over Epstein investigation

Peter Mandelson is currently the subject of a police investigation after searches were conducted at two properties connected to him, one in Wiltshire and another in north London. The Metropolitan Police are probing allegations that the former Labour minister engaged in misconduct in public office. This inquiry was initiated following claims that Mandelson passed sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that although Mandelson has not been arrested, inquiries are ongoing. Reports indicate that Mandelson was at his Camden residence when police commenced their search and later cooperated with authorities to allow access to his Wiltshire property without forcing entry. Officers were observed removing archive boxes and inspecting outbuildings during their search activities.

The allegations stem from documents released by the US Department of Justice, which include emails exchanged between Mandelson and Epstein during Mandelson’s tenure as business secretary under Gordon Brown’s government. These emails reveal discussions about Treasury plans, such as a one-off tax on bankers’ bonuses and a €500 billion EU bailout to save the Euro. In one instance, Mandelson appeared to advise Epstein that Jamie Dimon, CEO of JP Morgan at the time, should call Chancellor Alistair Darling again and even “mildly threaten” him. Although the UK was not a contributor to the EU bailout, Darling attended the negotiations in Brussels.

Following the launch of the investigation, the UK government pledged full cooperation with the police. Meanwhile, political repercussions have emerged. Downing Street has promised to release up to 100,000 documents related to Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the US amid growing unrest among Labour MPs. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer publicly apologized to Epstein’s victims, admitting he was “sorry for having believed Mandelson’s lies.” Several Labour MPs have criticized Starmer’s appointment of Mandelson, with calls for resignations and changes among the prime minister’s advisers. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has described Starmer’s position as “untenable” and has called for a vote of no confidence. Most recently, Lord Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party and subsequently retired from the House of Lords

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