Former Prince Andrew’s Ties to Epstein Keep Spotlight on UK Prime Minister Starmer

The British government has sent a file of material to police investigating allegations that Labour Party politician Peter Mandelson leaked sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein. Newly released US Justice Department documents contain over 3 million pages of details about Mandelson's contacts with Epstein, including emails passing on political information. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed "appalled" concern over the revelations and is drawing up legislation to expel Mandelson from Parliament and remove his noble title. Mandelson served in senior government roles under previous Labour governments and was UK ambassador to Washington until he was fired in September. Police are reviewing reports of misconduct to determine if they meet the criminal threshold for investigation. The allegations have sparked a criminal inquiry into whether Mandelson's actions broke the law.

British police are searching properties in London and Wiltshire linked to Peter Mandelson, former UK ambassador to Washington, as part of an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office. The investigation centers on allegations that Mandelson, 72, passed sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein approximately fifteen years ago, when he was business secretary. The searches are connected to an ongoing investigation by the Metropolitan Police's Central Specialist Crime team. Mandelson has not been arrested or charged. The investigation follows the release of emails suggesting Mandelson shared potentially market-moving information with Epstein. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has apologized for appointing Mandelson and pledged government support for the police investigation.

Keir Starmer has apologized to victims of Jeffrey Epstein for believing Lord Mandelson's "lies" and appointing him as the UK's ambassador to the US in December 2024. The apology follows growing anger over Starmer's handling of the situation, acknowledging that while Mandelson's association with Epstein was known, the extent of their relationship was not. Starmer expressed regret for the appointment and promised to release files he claims will prove Mandelson lied about the friendship during vetting. Opposition leaders have criticized Starmer, with some calling his position "untenable" and demanding a confidence vote. The government initially planned to withhold sensitive material but was forced to release documents to Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee after pressure from Labour backbenchers.

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.

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.

British police searched two properties connected to former ambassador Peter Mandelson on Friday, February 6, 2026, in London. The searches are part of an investigation into potential misconduct related to Mandelson's association with the late Jeffrey Epstein. According to Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hayley Sewart, the Met's Central Specialist Crime team is conducting the operation. The investigation aims to uncover any wrongdoing stemming from the relationship between Mandelson and Epstein. The police are currently in the process of the searches.