Lord Mandelson faces a police investigation (Image: Getty)
The Met Police has issued a major update after a number of politicians called for the force to investigate whether Lord Mandelson broke the law with his emails to Jeffrey Epstein. MPs from across parties said the force should probe whether he was guilty of misconduct in public office, after new emails showed him leaking sensitive government secrets, which could have helped Epstein make money.
On Monday, Met Police commander Ella 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.
“As with any matter, if new and relevant information is brought to our attention, we will assess it and investigate as appropriate.”
The Met Police issued a statement on Monday (Image: Getty)
Earlier, the Met Police received formal calls to launch an investigation from both Reform UK and the SNP, with Robert Jenrick telling MPs that the former ambassador had “clearly broken the law … and should be tried for his offences”.
The former shadow justice secretary blasted: “Peter Mandelson stands accused of leaking market-sensitive information to a paedophile for cash. He is not fit to sit in Parliament in receipt of taxpayer money. Reform will end this national embarrassment and introduce a law to boot him out.
“If Keir Starmer had a moral compass, he’d back it.”
Stephen Flynn, the SNP leader in Westminster, also wrote to Sir Mark Rowley, the Met commissioner, saying that the “widespread allegations and the suspicion of criminal activity need to be urgently addressed; I therefore believe it is now essential that a formal, criminal investigation is now initiated by the Metropolitan Police”.
Lord Mandelson is accused of leaking market-sensitive information from government (Image: Getty)
Sir Ed Davey, the Lib Dem leader, added: “The Epstein files suggest Peter Mandelson leaked sensitive government information to a convicted sex offender while serving as a minister, and even suggested a US bank should threaten the government to lower its tax bill.
“These allegations are incredibly serious, it is now only right that the police investigate Peter Mandelson for potential misconduct in public office.”
On Monday, Lord Mandelson broke his silence following the release of the latest embarrassing emails, insisting he will not go into hiding and still wants to play a role in politics.
The disgraced peer insisted he has been through multiple crises before and always bounced back, adding: “A friend has said to me, ‘Remember, tough times don’t last. Tough people do … That’s the belief I held on to.”
Addressing his future, Lord Mandelson said: “I want to contribute ideas that enable Britain to strengthen and to work for all, in every part of the country.
“The problem for me now is that work has always defined me. Everything else has always been an add-on. So I will find things to do.”