Peter Mandelson arrested in probe over alleged leaks to Jeffrey Epstein
Feb 23rd 2026
The former UK ambassador and ex-Labour peer was taken in for questioning on suspicion of misconduct in public office after investigators looked into claims he shared Downing Street emails and market-sensitive information with the late financier; Mandelson denies wrongdoing.
- Metropolitan Police arrested 72-year-old Peter Mandelson and took him to a London police station for interview on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
- The inquiry follows the US Department of Justice release of Epstein-related documents that include emails allegedly showing Mandelson passing confidential assessments and market-sensitive information in 2009 and 2010.
- Police executed search warrants at addresses in Camden and Wiltshire as part of the evidence-gathering operation.
- Detectives have held informal discussions with the Crown Prosecution Service special crime division, which would consider any prosecution.
- Downing Street will release tens of thousands of vetting documents to parliament in early March but will withhold exchanges between the prime minister and Mandelson until the police inquiry is complete.
- The arrest deepens political fallout for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who apologised to Epstein victims, sacked Mandelson, and has faced internal pressure and resignations related to the appointment.