UK Police Review Allegations of Misconduct in Lord Mandelsons Leaks

London’s former ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, is under investigation by the Metropolitan Police for allegations of misconduct in public office. The police announced on Monday that they are reviewing reports related to the claims, which were sparked by revelations that Mandelson shared confidential government information with late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

According to emails released by the US Department of Justice, Mandelson shared government plans with Epstein while serving as a UK minister. These plans included asset sales and tax changes under consideration by London in 2009, as well as details about a proposed €500 billion bailout of the single currency in 2010.

The Metropolitan Police Commander Ella Marriott stated that the reports will be reviewed to determine if they meet the criminal threshold for investigation. If new information is brought to their attention, the police will assess it and investigate accordingly.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced an inquiry into Mandelson’s ties to Epstein and also stated that the former minister should lose his lifelong appointment to the UK’s upper house of parliament. Mandelson had previously resigned from the governing Labour Party due to concerns about causing further embarrassment to his colleagues.

In related news, a charity launched by Sarah Ferguson, the ex-wife of Prince Andrew, has announced that it will close “for the foreseeable future” amid revelations about her friendly relationship with Epstein. The US Justice Department has also removed thousands of Epstein-related files from the internet after lawyers representing some of his alleged victims expressed concerns about their identities being exposed due to insufficient redactions in the latest release of documents.

Source: Al Jazeera