British authorities on Monday arrested Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to the U.S., over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson’s arrest is the second high-profile British arrest of people formerly involved with Epstein, following the arrest of former Prince Andrew.
Authorities alleged that Mandelson improperly passed British government information to Epstein. While they didn’t identify the person arrested, police said they arrested a 72-year-old man “on suspicion of misconduct in public office.”
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Authorities did not name the suspect since it’s against British police practice, but reporters photographed Mandelson leaving his home Monday, guided by plainclothed officers.
Why did police arrest Mandelson?
The investigation into Mandelson stems from claims he gave sensitive British information to Epstein about 15 years ago. These allegations do not pertain to Epstein’s sexual misconduct, The Associated Press reports.
Just four days earlier, authorities arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of a similar crime relating to Epstein. The files the Department of Justice released last month revealed new details about Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein.
The files suggested that Mandelson gave Epstein government information in 2009. During this time, Mandelson worked as a senior minister in the U.K. government. The files allegedly given to Epstein included internal government reports discussing ways the government could raise money after the 2008 financial crisis. In the files, Mandelson appears to have told Epstein he would push for the government to reduce taxes on bankers’ bonuses, the AP reports.
Police launched an investigation earlier this month that involved searching Mandelson’s homes.
Who is Peter Mandelson?
Mandelson is a contentious figure in British politics, according to the AP. The center-left politician was labeled as the “Prince of Darkness” for his “ruthless” mastery of political intrigue, the publication reports.
He played a major role in the Labour Party’s return to power in the late ‘90s. Mandelson served under former British Prime Minister Tony Blair from 1997 to 2001 and then under former Prime Minister Gordon Brown from 2008 to 2010. He resigned twice during the Blair administration over allegations of financial or ethical impropriety, according to the AP.
Mandelson retained his relationship with Epstein following the financier’s 2008 conviction.
Current British Prime Minister Kier Starmer appointed Mandelson as the ambassador to the U.S. in December 2024. He hoped to use Mandelson’s charm and networking prowess to help the new Labour government navigate the upcoming U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump. However, his decision nearly cost him his job and could still do so depending on the release of files related to Starmer’s appointment of Mandelson.
Starmer has apologized for his choice and said the government will begin releasing documents related to Mandelson’s appointment in March. Still, the AP reports that his arrest may complicate the release.
