Former British ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, has been arrested by London police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest follows fresh scrutiny over his past relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a Reuters report.
Police launch criminal investigation
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest in a statement. “Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office,” Reuters quoted the force as saying. The statement referred to an investigation involving a former government minister.
Police began the criminal probe earlier this month. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government had passed on communications between Mandelson and Epstein to authorities, triggering the inquiry.
Diplomatic post lost amid controversy
Mandelson, 72, lost his role as Britain’s ambassador to Washington in September. The dismissal came after more details emerged about the extent of his friendship with Epstein.
Emails released in late January by the US Department of Justice showed that Mandelson and Epstein had closer ties than previously known. The messages indicated that Mandelson shared information with Epstein while serving as a minister in former Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s government.
Mandelson has earlier said he “very deeply” regretted his past association with Epstein. However, he has not publicly responded to the latest allegations.
Political fallout grows
The controversy has intensified pressure on Starmer. Critics questioned his decision to appoint Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US in December 2024.
Starmer admitted he knew — as widely reported — that Mandelson had remained in contact with Epstein even after the financier was jailed in 2008 for child sex offences.
The issue widened further last week when King Charles’ younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was also arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over claims he sent confidential government documents to Epstein. He has denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein.
Long career in Labour Party
Mandelson has been a key figure in the Labour Party for nearly five decades. He is the grandson of former Labour home and foreign secretary Herbert Morrison.
He became the Labour candidate for Hartlepool in 1990 and won the seat in the 1992 general election. As an early ally of Tony Blair, Mandelson helped shape the New Labour movement. He directed the party’s successful 1997 general election campaign and later served in several senior ministerial roles.
Following the renewed backlash over his links to Epstein, Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party and stepped down from his position in the House of Lords.
The arrest marks a dramatic development in the long-running controversy surrounding Epstein’s connections with high-profile political figures.