Peter Mandelson Under Investigation Over Alleged Leaks to Jeffrey Epstein
Former Labour minister and UK ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, is facing a criminal investigation following accusations of misconduct in public office. The investigation centers on claims that he passed market-sensitive government information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Timeline of Events
The Metropolitan Police launched the investigation on February 4, 2026, after reviewing emails released by the US Department of Justice (DoJ). These emails reportedly show Lord Mandelson forwarding information to Epstein although serving as Business Secretary in 2009 .
Prior to the investigation, Mandelson was arrested on February 23, 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was later released on bail, which was subsequently lifted, though he remains under investigation .
The release of documents relating to Mandelson’s 2024 appointment as ambassador was ordered by MPs following concerns about the vetting process and his links to Epstein .
Political Fallout and Accusations
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that Mandelson “lied repeatedly” to No. 10 regarding his relationship with Epstein, both before and during his time as ambassador .
Conservative MPs have accused Starmer of attempting to deflect scrutiny by releasing the documents after Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs). Shadow cabinet office minister Alex Burghart criticized Starmer’s judgment, pointing to his prior knowledge of Mandelson’s ongoing relationship with Epstein .
Mandelson has announced his intention to resign from the House of Lords on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 .
Background: The Mandelson-Epstein Relationship
The relationship between Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein has been a source of political scandal in the United Kingdom since at least 2002, continuing even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction .
In 2002, Mandelson reportedly wrote a memo encouraging then-Prime Minister Tony Blair to meet with Epstein . A 2003 message from Mandelson to Epstein, describing him as his “best pal,” was included in a birthday book compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell .
Further correspondence in 2006 revealed Mandelson’s close monitoring of Epstein’s legal issues, offering support and requesting updates .
Ongoing Investigation and Document Release
The government has released some documents related to Mandelson’s appointment, but some files are being withheld for national security or foreign relations reasons. The final decision on redactions rests with parliament’s intelligence and security committee .
The Metropolitan Police are working with the government to ensure the document release does not prejudice the ongoing investigation.