London, United Kingdom. Former British ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson has been arrested by London police on suspicion of misconduct in public office following revelations about his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Arrest and investigation
London’s Metropolitan Police said officers arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office in an investigation relating to a former government minister. Police earlier this month began a criminal investigation into Mandelson after Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government passed on communications between the former ambassador and Epstein.
Diplomatic role and resignation
Mandelson, 72, was dismissed from what the report described as the most prestigious posting in Britain’s diplomatic service in September, after the extent of his friendship with Epstein became clearer. This month, he resigned from Starmer’s Labour Party and quit his position in parliament’s upper chamber.
Emails and allegations of information sharing
Emails between Mandelson and Epstein released by the U.S. Department of Justice in late January indicated a closer relationship than had been publicly known, and said Mandelson shared information with Epstein while serving as a minister in former Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s government.
Mandelson’s response
Mandelson has previously said he “very deeply” regretted his past association with Epstein, but he has not commented publicly or responded to messages seeking comment on the latest revelations.
Related arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Last week, King Charles’ younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was also arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he sent confidential government documents to Epstein. He has denied wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
What impact do you think these investigations could have on public trust in government?