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Police conducted searches at two properties linked to Peter Mandelson on Friday as part of an investigation into allegations that the former Labour minister leaked sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that their central specialist crime team executed warrants in Camden, north London, and Wiltshire, although Mandelson, 72, has not been arrested.
Allegations of Misconduct
The police action comes in the wake of emails released by the US Department of Justice, which suggest that Mandelson shared confidential government assessments with Epstein. Notable among these was a leaked evaluation from an adviser to then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown on potential policy measures, including an asset sales plan. Additionally, Mandelson allegedly communicated details concerning a bankers’ bonus tax and a forthcoming bailout package for the euro, just a day before its public announcement in 2010.
These revelations have sparked a police investigation and heightened scrutiny on Sir Keir Starmer regarding his decision to appoint Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the US. Following the emergence of the emails, pressure has mounted on Starmer to release all vetting documents associated with Mandelson’s appointment.
Government Response and Political Fallout
In response to the ongoing investigation, senior government officials are expected to provide their communications with Mandelson before the unveiling of the vetting documents, as announced by the Intelligence and National Security Committee (ISC). Starmer communicated with the committee’s chair, Lord Beamish, emphasising the need for cooperation while considering national security implications.
Mandelson faced further setbacks as Global Counsel, the lobbying firm he co-founded, severed ties with him. Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, the firm’s head, said his departure was necessary to distance the organisation from Mandelson’s actions.
Starmer’s leadership is now under scrutiny following the email revelations. He admitted to being aware of Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein, stating, “He lied repeatedly to my team when asked about his relationship with Epstein before and during his tenure as ambassador.” Starmer expressed regret over the appointment, indicating that had he known the extent of Mandelson’s ties to Epstein, he would never have considered him for the role.
Calls for Accountability
The scandal has led to calls for significant reforms within Starmer’s administration. Harriet Harman, the former deputy leader of the Labour Party, cautioned that failure to act decisively could jeopardise Starmer’s position. She stated, “I think it is so serious for Keir Starmer. I don’t think it’s inevitable that it will bring him down, but it will bring him down unless he takes the necessary actions.”
Party members on the left, such as Ian Byrne, have voiced that Starmer requires a ‘miracle’ to maintain his leadership amid the fallout. Some have pointed fingers at his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, suggesting he played a pivotal role in Mandelson’s appointment.
Gordon Brown, who appointed Mandelson to his cabinet in 2008, expressed regret over the decision, asserting he was unaware of Mandelson’s connections to Epstein at the time.
Hayley Sewart, deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, confirmed the ongoing investigation, stating, “The searches are related to an ongoing investigation into misconduct in public office offences, involving a 72-year-old man. He has not been arrested, and enquiries are ongoing.”
Why it Matters
The unfolding events surrounding Peter Mandelson and the scrutiny on Keir Starmer reflect a critical moment for the Labour Party. The implications of this scandal extend beyond individual accountability; they threaten to undermine public trust in political leadership and governance. As investigations continue and calls for transparency grow louder, the Labour Party’s ability to navigate this crisis will be pivotal in shaping its future direction and credibility.
