Additional Coverage:
Former British Ambassador Under Investigation for Alleged Leaks to Jeffrey Epstein
LONDON – British authorities have launched a criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to the United States, following allegations that he leaked government information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The 72-year-old was previously dismissed from his diplomatic post in Washington in September, a decision that followed revelations of his friendship with the late financier.
Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in a Manhattan jail. However, the recent release of millions of documents from the U.S. government’s investigation into Epstein, made public last week by the U.S.
Justice Department, has reignited scrutiny over Mandelson’s interactions with the New York socialite. These documents reportedly include emails Mandelson allegedly sent to Epstein during his tenure as Britain’s business secretary.
Commander Ella Marriott of London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed the investigation on Tuesday, though she did not publicly name the suspect. “I can confirm that the Metropolitan Police has now launched an investigation into a 72-year-old man, a former Government Minister, for misconduct in public office,” Marriott stated.
The probe was initiated after the Met received reports of alleged misconduct by Mandelson following the release of the Epstein documents, with the British government itself making a referral. Marriott added that the Met would continue to assess all relevant information and would not be commenting further at this time.
The announcement coincided with Lord Speaker Michael Forsyth’s revelation on Tuesday afternoon that Mandelson intends to retire from the House, effective Wednesday.
In response to the released emails, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his dismay to his cabinet on Tuesday, stating he was “appalled” and accusing Mandelson of having “let his country down.” A spokesperson for Starmer indicated that the Prime Minister has requested officials to draft legislation to strip Mandelson of his peerage as soon as possible.
A review of the documents by the British government reportedly uncovered “likely market-sensitive information” communicated from Mandelson to Epstein around the time of the 2008 financial crash. The spokesperson noted that “only people in an official capacity had access to this information,” leading the Cabinet Office to refer the material to the police.
Mandelson was appointed as the British ambassador to the United States in December 2024 by Keir, who at the time praised the Labour Party member for bringing “unrivaled experience to the role and take our partnership from strength to strength.”