Police investigate Mandelson over claims he leaked information to Epstein

The Metropolitan Police have initiated a criminal investigation centered on Lord Peter Mandelson, following accusations of misconduct in public office. The inquiry pertains to allegations that Mandelson, a former Labour minister and ex-ambassador to the United States, passed sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein, the US financier who was convicted of sex offences.

Documents released by the US Department of Justice include emails suggesting that Mandelson shared market-sensitive details with Epstein back in 2009, during his tenure as business secretary under Prime Minister Gordon Brown. While Lord Mandelson has not responded publicly to the allegations, sources close to him indicate that he denies any criminal wrongdoing and insists that he was not motivated by financial benefit.

The UK government has expressed its willingness to cooperate fully with the police investigation. A spokesperson stated, “The government stands ready to provide whatever support and assistance the police need.” Meanwhile, Lord Mandelson announced his intention to resign from the House of Lords, following his dismissal as the UK’s ambassador to the US last year amid revelations about his association with Epstein. Despite this resignation, he remains a life peer, although government officials are preparing legislation that would expedite the removal of his peerage if necessary.

The controversy has drawn attention from various political parties. The Scottish National Party and Reform UK reported Lord Mandelson to Scotland Yard, and the government has referred materials to the police after reviewing the emails in question. An initial assessment noted that the documents contained “likely market sensitive information surrounding the 2008 financial crash,” highlighting the gravity of the allegations. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown also announced he provided police with information related to Mandelson’s correspondence with Epstein, describing the actions as “inexcusable and unpatriotic” at a time of national crisis.

In a police statement, Commander Ella Marriott confirmed that an investigation is underway into alleged public office misconduct involving a 72-year-old former government minister, refusing to comment further as the inquiry progresses. Over the weekend, Lord Mandelson expressed his remorse over his continued connection to Epstein, offering an “unequivocal” apology to Epstein’s victims. However, further complications have emerged with revelations from the Department of Justice that emails from 2008 contained discussions about government plans such as a banker bonuses tax and an EU bailout, which Epstein purportedly received advance notice of from Mandelson. Other claims include financial transactions purportedly linked to Mandelson and Epstein, which the former minister disputes.

The political fallout continues, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemning Mandelson, saying he “let his country down” and calling the alleged sharing of emails “disgraceful.” Starmer also expressed concerns that all relevant information might not yet have surfaced. Opposition leaders have raised serious questions about the government’s vetting processes. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the apparent lack of thorough scrutiny, while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called for a public inquiry into Epstein’s infiltration of British political circles, emphasizing the need to understand how Epstein gained such access

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