Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to the Metropolitan police.
The former Labour cabinet minister, who previously served as the UK ambassador to the United States, was detained by officers at his home in Camden, north London, on Monday afternoon. He was taken in an unmarked vehicle to a London police station for questioning.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that a 72-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Officers said the arrest followed the execution of search warrants at two properties in Camden and Wiltshire.
Lord Mandelson has been accused of passing sensitive information to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as business secretary between 2008 and 2010. He has previously denied any wrongdoing.
The arrest comes days after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the brother of King Charles III, was also arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office in connection with his links to Epstein. He was released the same day and remains under investigation.
Lord Mandelson had earlier stepped down as UK ambassador to the US following renewed scrutiny over his past association with Epstein, particularly after the publication of additional files by the US Department of Justice. He later resigned from the House of Lords.
In a previous statement, he expressed regret over the controversy surrounding Epstein but rejected allegations that he received financial payments from him, saying he had no record or recollection of such transactions.
Heat on Keir Starmer
The development carries political implications for Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Downing Street has indicated that a first tranche of documents relating to Lord Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador is expected to be released in early March, although some correspondence may be delayed due to the ongoing police investigation.
Sir Keir has said the documents will demonstrate that Lord Mandelson misrepresented the extent of his relationship with Epstein during the vetting process. However, former home secretary Jacqui Smith defended the prime minister, stating that he dismissed Mandelson promptly once further details emerged.
