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London — Former UK ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, was arrested Monday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to reports from PA Media and multiple UK news outlets. The arrest comes as part of an investigation into potential leaks of information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Mandelson, a long-serving and influential figure in the Labour Party, is accused of potentially passing market-sensitive government information to Epstein while serving as Business Secretary in 2009. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest of a 72-year-old man in connection with the investigation, stating he was taken to a London police station for questioning following searches at properties in Wiltshire and Camden.
“Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office,” a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said. “He was arrested at an address in Camden on Monday, February 23 and has been taken to a London police station for interview.”
Investigation Focuses on Alleged Information Leaks
The investigation centers on emails released by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) that appear to show Lord Mandelson forwarding information to Epstein during his time as Business Secretary, as reported by the BBC here. These emails reportedly contain “likely market sensitive information surrounding the 2008 financial crash,” according to a No. 10 spokesperson. Mandelson has reportedly told parliamentary authorities he intends to resign from the House of Lords on Wednesday, according to the BBC.
The BBC reports that Mandelson has not responded to requests for comment, but his position is that he has not acted criminally and was not motivated by financial gain. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has stated he has provided “relevant” information relating to the apparent correspondence with Epstein to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley.
Mandelson’s Career and Epstein Connection
Peter Mandelson has been a prominent figure in British politics for decades, playing a key role in the “Fresh Labour” movement and Sir Tony Blair’s 1997 election victory. He served in various ministerial roles under both Blair and Brown. According to the BBC here, he was appointed as the UK’s ambassador to Washington in December 2024 by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
However, his ambassadorship was cut short in September 2025 after Downing Street cited new information regarding the depth of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. It had been known prior to his appointment that he had a friendship with the convicted sex offender. The New York Times reports that he is being investigated over accusations of “misconduct in public office offenses” over his dealings with Epstein.
The Associated Press reports that British police have opened a criminal investigation into the politician over alleged misconduct in public office related to his ties to Epstein.
What Comes Next
The investigation is in its early stages, and it remains to be seen what evidence police will uncover. Mandelson’s resignation from the House of Lords suggests he anticipates further scrutiny. The Metropolitan Police have not provided a timeline for the investigation, and no charges have been filed at this time. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for Mandelson’s political career and potentially raise further questions about the connections between prominent figures and Jeffrey Epstein.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
