Mandelson could face police inquiry over alleged leak to Epstein?

 

Mandelson could face police inquiry over alleged leak to Epstein?

Yes, Lord Peter Mandelson is currently facing a potential police investigation following reports of alleged misconduct in public office.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed on February 2, 2026, that it is reviewing "a number of reports" after documents suggested Mandelson shared sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein.

 

Key Allegations

The claims stem from a newly released batch of US Department of Justice files related to Epstein:

Market-Sensitive Leaks: Emails appear to show Mandelson, while serving as Business Secretary in 2009–2010, giving Epstein advance notice of a €500bn eurozone bailout the day before it was officially announced.

Internal Communications: He is accused of forwarding internal Downing Street memos—including notes on the UK economy and tax policy—to Epstein.

Political Lobbying: Files suggest Mandelson discussed lobbying ministers to amend a proposed tax on bankers' bonuses following a request from Epstein.

 

Fallout and Official Responses

Police Status: Scotland Yard is currently assessing whether these allegations meet the "criminal threshold" for a full investigation into misconduct in public office.

Political Resignation: Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party on February 1, 2026, to avoid further "embarrassment" to the party, though he denies any criminal wrongdoing.

Prime Minister’s Stance: Sir Keir Starmer has stated that Mandelson should lose his seat in the House of Lords and has ordered an "urgent" internal government review into his conduct.

Mandelson's Defense: In interviews published on February 2, Mandelson described Epstein as "muck you can't get off your shoe" and expressed deep regret for "misguided historical emails," but maintained that none of the files indicate actual wrongdoing on his part.