Key Points
- Police are investigating multiple reports of misconduct in public office following allegations that Lord Mandelson leaked sensitive UK government information to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Lord Mandelson, former UK ambassador to the US, appears multiple times in millions of US Department of Justice Epstein files released recently.
- Documents suggest Mandelson, as business secretary in Gordon Brown’s government, shared details of internal discussions post-global financial crisis with Epstein.
- Specific leaks include lobbying ministers on a 2009 tax on bankers’ bonuses and confirming a 2010 euro bailout package a day before announcement.
- Bank statements from 2003-2004 show Mandelson received $75,000 USD from Epstein; Epstein also allegedly paid for an osteopathy course for Mandelson’s husband.
- Metropolitan Police Commander Ella Marriott confirmed receipt of reports and ongoing review to check criminal threshold.
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged Mandelson to quit the House of Lords; Downing Street supports this, stating he should not use the title.
- Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald tasked with urgent review of Mandelson’s Epstein contacts during his ministerial tenure.
- Former PM Gordon Brown requested investigation into disclosure of confidential, market-sensitive information.
- Prince Andrew features in files, including images of him with an unidentified woman; calls for King Charles to apologise to Epstein victim claiming UK sexual encounter.
- US lawyer Brad Edwards and Brittany Henderson commented on Andrew’s involvement and irrelevance of his evidence.
Oldham (Manchester Mirror) February 02, 2026 – Police have launched reviews into alleged misconduct in public office after claims surfaced that Lord Peter Mandelson leaked sensitive government information to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. The allegations stem from millions of pages in the “Epstein files” released by the US Department of Justice, featuring Mandelson prominently.
What Triggered the Police Misconduct Investigations?
Metropolitan Police Commander Ella Marriott issued a statement on Monday confirming the force’s actions. As reported by PA News Agency, Commander Marriott said: “We are aware of the further release of millions of court documents in relation to Jeffrey Epstein by the United States Department of Justice. Following this release and subsequent media reporting, the Met has received a number of reports relating to alleged misconduct in a public office. The reports will all be reviewed to determine if they meet the criminal threshold for investigation.”
The documents, released on Friday, highlight Mandelson’s contacts with Epstein during his time as a cabinet minister under Gordon Brown. They indicate Epstein received details of internal UK government discussions amid the global financial crisis.
What Specific Leaks Did Lord Mandelson Allegedly Share with Epstein?
According to the US Department of Justice files, as covered by PA News Agency, Lord Mandelson appeared to inform Epstein he would lobby ministers over a proposed tax on bankers’ bonuses in 2009. The files also claim Mandelson confirmed an imminent bailout package for the euro the day before its official announcement in 2010.
Bank statements from 2003 and 2004, detailed in the same documents, reportedly show payments totalling 75,000 US dollars from Epstein to Mandelson. Additionally, Epstein is said to have funded an osteopathy course for Lord Mandelson’s husband.
The UK’s former ambassador to the US features repeatedly across the vast document dump, raising questions about his interactions with the disgraced financier.
How Has Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer Responded to the Allegations?
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has taken a firm stance, urging Lord Mandelson to resign from the House of Lords. Downing Street echoed this, stating the Prime Minister believes Mandelson “should not be a member… or use the title”, according to PA News Agency reporting.
Sir Keir has instructed Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald to conduct an urgent review. As per the statement from Downing Street, this probe examines “all available information regarding Mandelson’s contacts with Epstein during his period as a government minister”.
What Role Did Former PM Gordon Brown Play?
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has also weighed in, requesting Sir Chris Wormald investigate the alleged disclosure of “confidential and market sensitive information” during the global financial crisis. PA News Agency attributes this directly to Mr Brown, who served as PM when Mandelson was business secretary.
Who Else Appears in the Epstein Files and What Are the Calls for the King?
Prince Andrew, Duke of York, features prominently in the documents, including images appearing to show him crouched over an unidentified woman lying on the floor. The files reference claims by a woman represented by US lawyer Brad Edwards of Edwards Henderson.
As reported by PA News Agency, Brad Edwards previously told the BBC his client spent the night with Andrew after a Buckingham Palace tour arranged by Epstein. His colleague Brittany Henderson stated any evidence from Andrew would be “irrelevant”, emphasising that a “sincere and real apology” from the King is needed to “maintain any level of credibility”.
Campaigners have urged King Charles to contact the lawyers representing this woman, who claims Epstein sent her to the UK for a sexual encounter with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Why Do These Epstein Files Matter for UK Public Office?
The release of these millions of pages by the US Department of Justice has reignited scrutiny on high-profile figures’ ties to Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. For UK officials like Lord Mandelson, the allegations centre on potential breaches of public duty through sharing sensitive economic intelligence.
The Metropolitan Police’s review process underscores the seriousness, with Commander Marriott’s team assessing whether reports cross into criminal territory. This comes amid broader implications for government transparency during the 2008-2010 financial turmoil.
What Is the Timeline of Mandelson-Epstein Connections?
Key dates from the files include:
- 2003-2004: Alleged $75,000 payments from Epstein to Mandelson.
- 2009: Mandelson, as business secretary, reportedly tells Epstein of plans to lobby on bankers’ bonus tax.
- 2010: Confirmation of euro bailout package shared pre-announcement.
These interactions occurred when Mandelson held significant influence in Gordon Brown’s cabinet, amplifying concerns over market-sensitive leaks.
How Are UK Authorities Coordinating the Response?
Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald’s review, commissioned by Sir Keir Starmer and supported by Gordon Brown, aims to scrutinise all evidence. Downing Street’s involvement signals high-level governmental concern, potentially leading to further actions beyond police probes.
The King’s potential outreach to Epstein victims adds a royal dimension, with lawyers like Edwards and Henderson dismissing Prince Andrew’s input as immaterial.
Broader Context of the Epstein Scandal
Jeffrey Epstein’s network entangled global elites, and these files continue to unearth details years after his death. For Britain, the focus on Mandelson and Andrew highlights vulnerabilities in public figures’ associations during Epstein’s active years.
No charges have been filed yet, but the police’s threshold assessment could escalate matters. Lord Mandelson has not publicly commented in the provided reports.
This story, originating from PA News Agency’s coverage in The Oldham Times, draws solely from verified document releases and official statements, maintaining journalistic neutrality.
