On Tuesday, UK police announced a criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson—Britain’s former ambassador to the United States—after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released millions of court documents connected to a disgraced financier.
London’s Cmdr. Ella Marriot said that following the DOJ’s document release, the Metropolitan Police (Met) received “a number of reports” about alleged misconduct in public office, including a referral from the UK government.
“I can confirm the Metropolitan Police has now launched an investigation into a 72-year-old man—a former government minister—for offenses of misconduct in public office,” Marriot wrote in a statement.
“The Met will continue to review all relevant information brought to our attention as part of this investigation and will not comment further at this time,” she added.
Mandelson resigned from the governing Labour Party on Sunday amid allegations he accepted $75,000 in payments from Epstein and shared sensitive government information after the 2008 financial crisis.
He was abruptly fired from his ambassadorial position in September following the release of emails between Mandelson and Epstein.
On Monday, Starmer requested an urgent review of Mandelson’s communications with Epstein during his time in office.
On Tuesday, the House of Lords announced Mandelson is stepping down.
“He will cease to be a member tomorrow,” the House of Lords told Digital. “We have no comment on any possible police investigation.”
while in federal custody.
He was awaiting trial on charges including and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors.