Lord Mandelson arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office

Lord Mandelson arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office

Lord Peter Mandelson was released on bail by the Metropolitan Police following his arrest earlier this week on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The 72-year-old was detained on Monday at his residence in Camden, north London, before being taken to a police station for questioning. Reports noted that he returned to his London home around 02:00 GMT after being released pending further investigation.

This arrest came as part of an ongoing investigation initiated earlier this month, centered on allegations that while serving as a government minister, Mandelson shared sensitive government market information with the late Jeffrey Epstein, who was a convicted paedophile. Police executed search warrants at two properties, one in Camden and another in Wiltshire, prior to the arrest. Mandelson has not made any public comments regarding the Epstein-related documents recently, but sources indicate that he maintains he did not act criminally or for financial benefit.

Lord Mandelson’s recent diplomatic career saw him appointed as the British ambassador to the United States in February 2025, though he was dismissed from the role in September after Downing Street disclosed new details about the depth of his relationship with Epstein. The government has announced plans to release initial documents relating to his appointment in early March. Police officers from the Metropolitan Police’s central specialist crime division reportedly carried out the arrest, with ongoing discussions between the authorities and the Crown Prosecution Service.

The allegations against Mandelson came to light following the release last month of documents by the US Department of Justice, which included emails exchanged between Mandelson and Epstein. One such email from 2009 appeared to show Mandelson conveying an adviser’s assessment to then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown on policy measures such as an “asset sales plan”. Additional communications referenced discussions about a tax on bankers’ bonuses and an imminent bailout package for the Euro just prior to its 2010 announcement. Family members of Virginia Giuffre, an Epstein accuser who also accused Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of sexual abuse, praised British authorities for their swift action. They emphasized the need for accountability, contrasting it with what they see as continued delays in the United States

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