Police Launch Review into Mandelson-Epstein Email Allegations
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are reviewing allegations of misconduct in public office against Lord Peter Mandelson, following explosive revelations about his communications with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. This development comes as Downing Street faces mounting pressure to strip the former business secretary of his peerage.
Email Evidence Reveals Sensitive Information Sharing
Newly released documents from the US Justice Department appear to show email exchanges between Mandelson and Epstein during 2009-2010, when Mandelson served as business secretary and de-facto deputy prime minister in Gordon Brown's government. The correspondence suggests Mandelson provided Epstein with advance notice of a €500 billion European Union bank bailout in 2010.
In one exchange, Epstein wrote to Mandelson: "Sources tell me 500 b euro bailout , almost complete (sic)." Mandelson reportedly replied: "Sd be announced tonight." The bailout package was indeed approved the following day by European governments attempting to stabilise the Eurozone crisis.
Multiple Areas of Concern Emerge
The leaked communications reveal several troubling aspects of the relationship:
- Mandelson appears to have told Epstein he was "trying hard" to change government policy on bankers' bonuses at Epstein's request
- This occurred months after Epstein had paid tens of thousands of pounds to Mandelson's husband
- Other emails show Mandelson forwarding policy assessments to Epstein, including an "interesting note that's gone to the PM" about potential economic measures
- One discussion indicates Mandelson encouraged JP Morgan's chief executive to "mildly threaten" then-chancellor Alistair Darling
Political Fallout and Peerage Pressure
The revelations have triggered significant political consequences. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged Mandelson to resign from the House of Lords, while Downing Street has asked Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald to urgently review all available information about contact between the former minister and Epstein.
Commander Ella Marriott of the Metropolitan Police stated: "The reports will all be reviewed to determine if they meet the criminal threshold for investigation. As with any matter, if new and relevant information is brought to our attention, we will assess it, and investigate as appropriate."
Financial Transactions and Further Revelations
Additional documents released over the weekend show bank statements from 2003-2004 indicating Mandelson received payments totalling $75,000 (approximately £54,000) from Epstein while serving as MP for Hartlepool. Epstein also reportedly paid for an osteopathy course for Mandelson's husband in 2009.
Mandelson has resigned his Labour Party membership and been dismissed as ambassador to Washington following previous revelations about his continued association with Epstein after the financier's 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution and soliciting a minor.
Mandelson's Response and Defence
In interviews published on Monday, Mandelson referred to "a handful of misguided historical emails, which I deeply regret sending" and described Epstein as "muck that you can't get off your shoe." He insisted he had "no exposure to the criminal aspects of" Epstein's life and maintained that "none of the Epstein files indicate wrongdoing or misdemeanour on my part."
Regarding the payments to his husband, Mandelson acknowledged "a lapse in our collective judgement" but dismissed suggestions this could have influenced government policy as "risible."
Constitutional Questions About Peerage Removal
The controversy has raised complex constitutional questions about whether Mandelson's peerage can be revoked. While legislation exists that allowed peerage removal during the First World War for those assisting enemies, this law specifically refers to that conflict and is unlikely to apply today.
The government acknowledges that removing a peerage requires an Act of Parliament, but is calling on the House of Lords to modernise disciplinary procedures to facilitate quicker action against disgraced peers. Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones confirmed the government is writing to appropriate authorities to begin this process.
Mandelson could voluntarily resign from the House of Lords, relinquishing his parliamentary privileges, though he would retain his title. Downing Street has made clear its preference that he should neither sit in the Lords nor use his title.
