London — The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into former British Ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, following the release of emails last week that suggest he may have shared confidential U.K. government documents with financier Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as Business Secretary in 2009 and 2010. The Department of Justice in the United States had previously released these emails, indicating possible misconduct in public office.
The investigation comes after the Metropolitan Police received several reports of alleged misconduct related to public office. Commander Ella Marriott confirmed that they have now initiated an inquiry into a male former Government Minister aged 72 who is suspected of engaging in misconduct in his role.
One of the emails revealed during this release indicated Mandelson shared confidential information with Epstein, including details about the European Union’s potential €500 billion bailout for nations struggling to contain the financial crisis. Another document suggests that Epstein made $75,000 in payments to Mandelson in three separate transactions from 2003 and 2004.
Documents also reveal a payment of almost £12,000 sent by Epstein to Mandelson’s spouse for an osteopathy course in 2009. Critics argue that these actions could potentially have compromised national security.
This development has heightened scrutiny on Prime Minister Keir Starmer following his appointment of Mandelson as Britain’s top diplomat in the U.S., a position he held until September when related documents were released by the House of Representatives, highlighting Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein. Critics also note that these allegations emerged shortly after Mandelson had already resigned from this role.
Prime Minister Starmer has stated that safeguards were compromised concerning sensitive information being shared improperly and referred the material to the Metropolitan Police for further investigation. In a statement, Starmer’s office concluded that “safeguards were compromised” in relation to sharing of potentially compromising data and insisted on an investigation by law enforcement.
Mandelson, who maintains his political career has been unaffected by these allegations, denied any financial payments from Epstein, stating he had no records or recollections related to such transactions. He also dismissed the possibility that these actions could have influenced his government role with a comment that such payments were for his partner’s osteopathy course and not linked to policy decisions.
Mandelson’s career as an influential Labour Party politician has earned him the nickname “the Prince of Darkness,” due to his reputation as a shrewd political operator. His appointment as U.S. Ambassador, which lasted until September when he resigned under pressure from documents showing his ties with Epstein, remains under intense public scrutiny.