Lord Mandelson Arrested on Suspicion of Misconduct Over Epstein Ties and Alleged Leak of Sensitive Government Information
Feb. 23, 2026 — London — Lord Peter Mandelson, a 72-year-old Labour peer and former UK ambassador to the United States, was arrested at his London home on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the Metropolitan Police confirmed. The probe centers on allegations that he forwarded market-sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein in 2009 while serving as business secretary under Gordon Brown.
Mandelson was taken to a police station for questioning and released on bail early on Feb. 24 pending further investigation. The Metropolitan Police stated:
A 72-year-old man arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office has been released on bail pending further investigation… We are not able to provide further information at this stage to prevent prejudicing the integrity of the investigation.[1]
Allegations from US Documents
The arrest stems from over three million pages of US Department of Justice documents released in 2026, suggesting Mandelson shared details such as advance notice of a €500 billion EU bailout to save the euro, plans for a one-off tax on bankers’ bonuses, and an internal report on post-2008 financial crisis asset sales.[2] These were allegedly passed via emails to Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex offenses.[3]
Mandelson has denied receiving or recalling alleged payments from Epstein, including $75,000 to connected accounts between 2003-2004 and £10,000 to his partner Reinaldo Avila da Silva in 2009 for an osteopathy course. He maintains he did not act criminally or for financial gain and regrets the association, apologizing unequivocally to Epstein’s victims.
Longstanding Epstein Relationship
Mandelson’s ties to Epstein date back years, including a 2003 birthday book message calling him his “best pal” and supportive emails during Epstein’s 2008 charges, urging him to “fight for early release.”[4] He reportedly stayed at Epstein’s Manhattan apartment in 2009 while Epstein was imprisoned.
Appointed US ambassador by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in December 2024, Mandelson was sacked in September 2025 amid revelations, resigned from the Labour Party in February 2026, and from the House of Lords following the arrest.
Political Fallout
The scandal has intensified scrutiny of Starmer’s appointment decision. Starmer said Mandelson lied during vetting, portraying Epstein as someone he “barely knew”:
None of us knew the depths and the darkness of that relationship.[5]
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown called it a “complete betrayal,” urging comprehensive reforms including an anti-corruption commission and US-style confirmation hearings.[5]
