Police Scrutinise Misconduct Claims Amid Mandelson Epstein Allegations
The Metropolitan Police are currently reviewing allegations of misconduct in public office against Lord Peter Mandelson, following the release of new documents linking the former business secretary to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. This development has intensified pressure on Downing Street to strip Mandelson of his peerage, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer chairs a cabinet meeting to address the escalating scandal.
Emails Reveal Sensitive Government Information Sharing
Fresh revelations from the latest tranche of Epstein files released by the US Justice Department appear to show email conversations between Mandelson and Epstein discussing political matters during Mandelson's tenure as business secretary in Gordon Brown's government in 2009. Commander Ella Marriott of the Met confirmed that these reports are being thoroughly examined to determine whether they meet the criminal threshold for a formal investigation.
The disclosed emails suggest Mandelson provided Epstein with advance notice of a €500 billion EU bank bailout in 2010, with Epstein writing "Sources tell me 500 b euro bailout, almost complete" and Mandelson reportedly responding "Sd be announced tonight." This bailout was approved the following day by European governments during the Eurozone crisis, though the UK did not contribute financially.
Further Controversial Communications Uncovered
Additional correspondence indicates Mandelson told Epstein he was "trying hard" to alter government policy on bankers' bonuses at the financier's request. This occurred months after Epstein had made substantial payments to Mandelson's husband. The emails emerged during the implementation of the so-called "super tax" by then-Chancellor Alistair Darling, designed to curb excessive banker bonuses following the financial crisis.
One particularly concerning discussion suggests Mandelson encouraged JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon to contact Darling and "mildly threaten" him regarding policy matters. Separately, the peer appeared to forward Epstein an assessment by Gordon Brown's adviser Nick Butler concerning potential policy measures, including an "asset sales plan." Brown has condemned these disclosures as "wholly unacceptable" during a period of national economic crisis.
Mounting Pressure Over Peerage Status
Sir Keir Starmer has requested Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald to urgently review all available information regarding contact between Mandelson and Epstein. The prime minister's spokesperson stated that Starmer believes Mandelson "should not be a member of the House of Lords or use the title." However, the government lacks the direct authority to remove a peerage, necessitating collaboration with the Lords to modernise disciplinary procedures for removing disgraced peers.
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones confirmed the government is writing to appropriate authorities to initiate this process. While legislation exists from 1917 allowing peerage removal during wartime, its applicability today remains questionable, making parliamentary action potentially lengthy and complex.
Financial Transactions and Continued Associations
Bank statements from 2003-2004 appear to show Mandelson received payments totalling $75,000 from Epstein while serving as MP for Hartlepool. Epstein also reportedly funded an osteopathy course for Mandelson's husband in 2009. Despite Epstein's 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution and a minor, Mandelson maintained contact with the financier, leading to his dismissal as Washington ambassador last year.
Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party on Sunday night, stating he wished to avoid "further embarrassment" to the party. He has described his association with Epstein as "muck that you can't get off your shoe" and apologised "unequivocally" to Epstein's victims for continuing their relationship post-conviction.
Broader Implications and Testimonies
The scandal has wider ramifications, with Bill and Hillary Clinton agreeing to testify in the Epstein investigation, hoping to establish "a precedent that applies to everyone." Prime Minister Starmer has also suggested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should provide evidence. Being named in the Epstein files does not automatically indicate wrongdoing, and all parties have expressed regret over their past associations with the financier.
As investigations proceed, the Mandelson case highlights ongoing challenges in holding public figures accountable and reforming parliamentary conduct standards in light of historical associations with disgraced individuals.
