Brussels orders probe of Mandelson’s Epstein ties while EU trade rep

The UK government will release the first batch of documents in early March related to Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the U.S., following a parliamentary motion. This comes after Mandelson's recent arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, stemming from allegations he shared confidential government information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as business secretary. The Metropolitan Police opened an inquiry after the government passed on communications between Mandelson and Epstein. Some documents are subject to the ongoing police investigation, and a small portion concerning national security will be handled by the Intelligence and Security Committee. Mandelson denies wrongdoing but has apologized for maintaining contact with Epstein after his conviction.

Former UK ambassador and Labour party figure Peter Mandelson was arrested in London on Monday, February 23, 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest is linked to his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with newly released emails revealing a closer connection than previously known. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest of a 72-year-old man, though they did not directly name Mandelson. Mandelson, who had already resigned from his positions within the Labour Party and parliament earlier in the month due to the Epstein revelations, is currently being questioned by authorities. The investigation stems from concerns that Mandelson may have shared information with Epstein during his time as a government minister.

Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to the US, was arrested in London on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest follows revelations about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson was previously fired from his diplomatic post in September after the extent of his relationship with Epstein became apparent. The Metropolitan Police initiated a criminal investigation earlier this month after the government passed on communications between Mandelson and Epstein. While the arrest indicates police suspicion of a crime, it does not imply guilt.

Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to the United States, was arrested after being fired months earlier due to his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson's association with Epstein was known prior to his appointment, but newly released emails and documents revealed a closer relationship than previously acknowledged. These documents suggested that Mandelson may have provided confidential information to Epstein while in government. This led to a criminal investigation by British police into possible misconduct in public office. Mandelson, a long-time political strategist, resigned from the Labour Party and has not publicly commented since, but previously denied any wrongdoing.

Peter Mandelson's career as the UK's ambassador to the US abruptly ended following the release of emails detailing his close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The emails, released in September 2025, revealed messages from 2003 and 2008 where Mandelson called Epstein his "best pal" and offered to "fight for early release" when Epstein faced soliciting sex charges. Despite initial support from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Mandelson was dismissed from his position a day later. The Foreign Office stated the messages revealed a deeper relationship with Epstein than previously known. Prior reports in June 2023 had already indicated Mandelson stayed at Epstein's Manhattan townhouse in 2009 while Epstein was jailed.

Keir Starmer, the UK's prime minister since July 2024, is facing increasing pressure and speculation about his future as leader. This follows a series of setbacks for his government, culminating in the recent resignation of his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney. Anas Sarwar, the leader of the Labour party in Scotland, publicly called for Starmer to resign, though other cabinet members voiced their support. McSweeney, credited as a key strategist in Starmer's rise to power, leaves the prime minister isolated. The article suggests Starmer's position is precarious, making him the sixth prime minister in the last ten years.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer averted a leadership challenge within the Labour Party after fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein files created a crisis. Starmer's position was threatened, but a combination of his own efforts and hesitation from potential rivals prevented an immediate coup. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband indicated that Labour lawmakers decided to unite behind Starmer after considering the potential consequences of a leadership change. While Starmer remains in power, the Epstein fallout has damaged his standing, and the situation remains uncertain. The events unfolded in London, with Miliband's comments made on Tuesday.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned following the fallout from Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the United States. McSweeney took responsibility for advising Starmer to appoint Mandelson after newly released files revealed the extent of Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The resignation occurred after Labour members of parliament called for McSweeney's removal, blaming him for the damage caused by the appointment and subsequent revelations. Mandelson was previously sacked by Starmer in September and resigned from the Labour Party and House of Lords last week. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is reviewing an exit payment made to Mandelson after his dismissal.

Norwegian authorities are investigating two senior diplomats, Mona Juul and Terje Rød-Larsen, for potential corruption related to their connections with Jeffrey Epstein. Juul, recently resigned as ambassador to Jordan and Iraq, is suspected of gross corruption during her time at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Rød-Larsen, a former diplomat and president of the International Peace Institute (IPI), is being investigated for complicity in gross corruption. The investigation aims to determine if any criminal acts occurred, including whether Juul received undue benefits. The investigation was prompted by the release of Epstein files by the US Department of Justice, which revealed financial ties between Epstein and the couple. Lawyers for Juul and Rød-Larsen assert their clients are cooperating and believe the allegations are unfounded.

Newly released bank statements from the US Department of Justice suggest Jeffrey Epstein made $75,000 in payments to accounts linked to Lord Mandelson between 2003 and 2004. The payments, referencing Lord Mandelson, were sent from Epstein's JP Morgan accounts to Barclays and HSBC accounts, with Mandelson named as a beneficiary in some instances. Lord Mandelson stated he has no record or recollection of receiving the funds and questions the documents' authenticity. The released files also include a redacted image of Lord Mandelson with a woman, the circumstances of which he cannot recall. He reiterated his regret for his association with Epstein and apologized to Epstein's victims. The payments were first reported by the Financial Times.

Newly released emails reveal a closer relationship between Peter Mandelson, a prominent UK politician, and Jeffrey Epstein than previously admitted. The emails, dating back to 2010 and earlier, show Mandelson seeking Epstein's advice on personal and professional matters, including a potential privacy breach, financial decisions, and career moves after Labour's election loss. The correspondence suggests frequent and intimate contact, blurring personal and professional boundaries. The revelations have led to Mandelson's resignation from the Labour party and calls for a police investigation. These developments follow Mandelson's withdrawal as US ambassador due to renewed scrutiny of his ties to Epstein.

In February 2026, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed to reveal the vetting process behind Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the US in December 2024. This decision followed the release of new Jeffrey Epstein files revealing the extent of Mandelson's relationship with the disgraced financier, even after Epstein's 2008 conviction. The files suggest Mandelson may have received payments from Epstein and shared market-sensitive information. Starmer apologized for appointing Mandelson, admitting he was unaware of the depth of the relationship despite knowing of their connection. UK media reports indicate the government suspects Mandelson of illegally sharing information with Epstein approximately 15 years prior. Mandelson, a former Labour politician and member of the House of Lords, resigned following the file release.

In February 2026, UK police announced a review of misconduct allegations against former UK minister Peter Mandelson. This followed the release of US investigative files revealing that Mandelson, while serving as a minister, shared confidential government information with Jeffrey Epstein. The leaked information included details about asset sales, tax changes, and the Eurozone bailout plan. The Metropolitan Police initiated the review after receiving multiple reports related to alleged misconduct in public office. The investigation aims to determine if the allegations meet the criminal threshold for a formal investigation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has suggested Mandelson should no longer hold his seat in the upper house of parliament.

London police have launched a criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson, a 72-year-old former UK ambassador to the US and government minister. The investigation was initiated after the US Department of Justice released millions of court documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. According to Metropolitan Police Cmdr. Ella Marriot, the Met received "a number of reports" into alleged misconduct in public office following the DOJ document release, including a referral from the UK government. The investigation focuses on potential misconduct in public office offenses.

The Metropolitan Police in London have launched a criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson, a former British ambassador to the U.S., for potential "misconduct in public office offenses" related to his dealings with Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation was announced the same day Mandelson resigned from the House of Lords. The probe stems from revelations in the Epstein files, which suggest Mandelson may have shared confidential government information with Epstein while serving as business secretary in 2009. Documents indicate he forwarded a confidential document intended for the prime minister to Epstein and advised Epstein on influencing British policy regarding a tax on bankers' bonuses. Mandelson was previously fired from his ambassadorial role in 2025 when his ties to Epstein became apparent.