British politician Peter Mandelson is facing a police investigation after newly released emails indicate he forwarded confidential UK government information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as business secretary in 2009. The Metropolitan Police are assessing reports of alleged misconduct in public office, with the scandal triggering political calls for Mandelson to be stripped of his peerage and raising questions about integrity in UK politics.
The police review was initiated after the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Reform UK filed complaints, citing emails from the Epstein files that suggest Mandelson shared sensitive government documents. These emails, released by the U.S. Department of Justice, include internal communications about asset sales, bankers’ bonuses, and a €500 billion EU bailout during the financial crisis. Commander Ella Marriott confirmed that multiple reports are under review to determine if a criminal investigation is warranted, emphasizing that any new information will be assessed appropriately.
Key revelations from the emails show Mandelson advising Epstein that JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon should ‘mildly threaten’ then-Chancellor Alistair Darling over proposed taxes on bankers’ bonuses in 2009. Additionally, Mandelson forwarded a note from Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s adviser discussing £20 billion in government asset sales, providing Epstein with advance notice of market-sensitive information. The emails also indicate that Epstein made payments totaling $75,000 to Mandelson in the early 2000s and sent £10,000 to Mandelson’s partner in 2009 for an osteopathy course.
Political fallout has been swift, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer ordering an investigation by the cabinet secretary and stating that Mandelson should not remain a member of the House of Lords. Mandelson resigned his Labour membership after four decades, and there is growing pressure from across parties for him to voluntarily give up his peerage. Former colleagues, including Harriet Harman, have condemned his actions, saying they ‘cast a stain’ over politics and undermine public trust, with Harman calling for his removal from the Privy Council.
The scandal has reopened wounds from the financial crisis era, with former advisers expressing betrayal over the breach of confidentiality. Nick Butler, who authored one of the leaked memos, described Mandelson’s conduct as ‘treacherous’ and is considering reporting the matter to police. The government has launched an urgent review into Mandelson’s contacts with Epstein while he was a minister, and there are calls for reforms to allow the removal of disgraced peers from the Lords, a move included in Labour’s manifesto.
Implications extend beyond Mandelson, raising questions about Starmer’s judgment in appointing him as U.S. ambassador in 2024, a role from which he was sacked last September. The episode highlights ongoing issues with transparency and accountability in UK politics, with cross-party support for stricter disciplinary measures. The police assessment is ongoing, and if charges are brought for misconduct in public office, it could lead to significant legal consequences and influence future political appointments.
As the investigation progresses, the focus will be on whether the alleged leaks constitute criminal offenses, with potential outcomes including reforms to the House of Lords and renewed scrutiny of government integrity during crises. The scandal underscores the need for robust safeguards against leaks of sensitive information, particularly in times of economic turmoil.
