Metropolitan Police Launch Investigation into Peter Mandelson Over Epstein Files
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are investigating allegations of misconduct in a public office against former cabinet minister Peter Mandelson. This follows the latest release of documents from the Jeffrey Epstein files, which have sparked renewed scrutiny into the peer's past associations.
What Constitutes Misconduct in a Public Office?
Misconduct in a public office refers to what the Crown Prosecution Service describes as serious wilful abuse or neglect of powers relating to a public role. Legal commentator Joshua Rozenberg explained to Sky News that this is an unusual offence because it was created by judges over many years rather than through parliamentary legislation.
"For that reason, there isn't actually a maximum penalty at all," Rozenberg noted. "It's life imprisonment because parliament has never actually set a maximum."
The Specific Allegations Against Mandelson
Emails released by the US Justice Department appear to show conversations between Lord Mandelson and the convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein about political matters during 2009. At the time, Mandelson was serving as business secretary in Gordon Brown's government during the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.
The released correspondence suggests Mandelson shared sensitive government information on at least four occasions, including:
- Discussing efforts to change government policy on bankers' bonuses
- Providing advance notice of a €500 billion EU bank bailout the day before its public announcement
- Forwarding an assessment of potential policy measures that had been sent to the Prime Minister
Official Response and Investigation Details
Commander Ella Marriott of the Metropolitan Police stated that the force had received "a number of reports into alleged misconduct in public office including a referral from the UK government." She confirmed the Met would continue to assess all relevant information brought to their attention.
The Cabinet Office revealed on 3 February that it had passed material to police after an initial review found the newly released documents contained "likely market-sensitive information" and that official handling safeguards had been compromised.
Political Fallout and Mandelson's Response
In a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told ministers that Lord Mandelson had "let the country down" and described the alleged passing of sensitive government business as disgraceful. The Prime Minister added that he was not reassured all information had yet emerged.
Lord Mandelson has stepped down from the House of Lords and has not responded directly to the latest allegations. However, in a recent interview with The Times, he described Epstein as "muck that you can't get off your shoe" and referred to "a handful of misguided historical emails, which I deeply regret sending."
Legal Context and Potential Outcomes
Due to the complicated nature of the misconduct offence, the government is attempting to replace it with new legislation - the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, currently progressing through parliament. This bill specifies that a person commits an offence if they use their office to obtain a benefit or cause someone else to suffer a detriment.
Rozenberg explained that the police investigation must conclude before any further action is decided. "The Met is likely now focusing on what evidence they can find, whether they can substantiate the emails, whether they are something that Lord Mandelson doesn't deny having sent or received, and what explanation he has for what may have happened 20 years ago," he said.
If convicted, Lord Mandelson could potentially face jail time, though the investigation remains ongoing with no charges yet brought. The case highlights ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability in public office, particularly regarding historical associations with controversial figures.
