Police arrested former UK ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson on suspicion of misconduct in public office. According to London’s Metropolitan Police. Police detained the 72-year-old at his Camden home on Monday. Questioned over allegations that he passed market-sensitive government information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK’s business secretary. He was later released on bail.
Mandelson strongly denies the allegations. His lawyers said the arrest was unnecessary and claimed police had previously agreed. He would attend a voluntary interview next month. They described suggestions that he was planning to flee the country as baseless. And said Mandelson’s priority is to cooperate fully and clear his name.
The case has triggered political controversy after Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle confirmed he passed information about Mandelson to police “in good faith,” following reports that concerns were raised about Mandelson being a potential flight risk. Police later apologized to Hoyle for inadvertently disclosing details during the investigation.
The scandal has added pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who removed Mandelson from his ambassador role last year after Epstein-related documents emerged. Mandelson, once a key architect of New Labour under Tony Blair, has previously apologized for his association with Epstein. Investigators say the offense of misconduct in public office is difficult to prosecute and requires proof of a deliberate abuse of official power. Read More
