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Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has addressed the ongoing controversy involving Sir Keir Starmer and Peter Mandelson, describing the situation as “serious” while hinting that Starmer may have been “too slow to do the right things” amid the scandal. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, Brown nonetheless expressed confidence in Sir Keir’s character, calling him a “man of integrity” who had been “betrayed” by Mandelson. Brown emphasized that Starmer remains the appropriate figure to “clean up the system.”
Brown’s statements coincided with the Metropolitan Police completing searches at two residences linked to Mandelson. These searches are connected to allegations that Mandelson shared market-sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein, who is a convicted sex offender. Mandelson, removed from his post as the UK’s ambassador to the US in September, has yet to respond publicly to these allegations. According to the BBC, Mandelson maintains that he acted lawfully and was not driven by financial motives.
Evidence emerging from recently released email exchanges indicates that Lord Mandelson provided Epstein with confidential government information. One such communication involves a memo from policy adviser Nick Butler discussing the UK’s economic difficulties and advocating for the sale of government assets to boost public funds. Another email suggests that Mandelson informed Epstein in advance about a €500 billion EU bailout package aimed at stabilizing the Euro. Additionally, Mandelson reportedly gave Epstein near real-time updates following the 2010 general election, after which the Labour Party lost its majority.
Brown strongly condemned Mandelson’s actions, stating they represented a betrayal of the country. He highlighted the risks posed by the leaks, including threats to the British currency and the potential for speculative trading based on the leaked information. Brown described his feelings upon learning about the emails as “shocked, sad, angry, betrayed, let down.” He pointed out that the communications reveal Mandelson was already planning his post-government career during a critical period of economic crisis, discussing potential book deals and employment with banks even as he was serving as business secretary. Brown called for comprehensive reforms to the British political system, recommending the establishment of an anti-corruption commission with powers to seize assets and proposing greater transparency measures such as US-style confirmation hearings for senior government appointments. He also urged stricter vetting procedures and restrictions on MPs holding second jobs, except in the case of doctors.
On Saturday, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that searches had taken place at properties in Wiltshire and north London connected to Mandelson, related to an ongoing investigation into misconduct in public office. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hayley Sewart stated that a 72-year-old man was under investigation but had not been arrested. She noted the complexity of the case and the need for extensive evidence gathering, indicating that the inquiry would take considerable time to complete
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