Police Raid Homes of Lord Mandelson in Epstein Leak Probe

Several police officers entered Lord Mandelson’s multimillion-pound property near Regent’s Park in north London, while a separate search warrant was executed at his home in Wiltshire, Scotland Yard confirmed.

Witnesses reported multiple marked and unmarked police vehicles outside the Wiltshire address. Officers wearing body cameras were seen entering the London property, carrying boxes and bags inside as photographs appeared to be taken.

Investigation Into Misconduct in Public Office

The Metropolitan Police launched the investigation after it emerged that Mandelson allegedly shared sensitive government documents with Epstein while serving as business secretary in Gordon Brown’s Cabinet.

Hayley Sewart, deputy assistant commissioner at the Met, said the searches were linked to an inquiry into misconduct in public office involving a 72-year-old man. She confirmed that Mandelson has not been arrested and that inquiries are ongoing.

If convicted, the offence carries a potential maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Epstein Files Spark Political Fallout

The investigation follows the release of three million files by the US Justice Department last week related to Epstein. The disclosures have triggered the most serious political crisis of Keir Starmer’s premiership, with warnings that he has just weeks to restore party unity.

Labour MPs have openly questioned Starmer’s judgment, particularly his decision to appoint Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States, despite prior knowledge of his association with Epstein.

Claims Contradicted by New Evidence

Documents and images from the files appear to contradict Mandelson’s previous claims that he had not encountered young women or girls at Epstein’s properties.

Despite telling the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg that he had only seen “middle-aged housekeepers,” records show he spent an evening with Epstein and two female students at Epstein’s New York home in 2012.

Images also surfaced showing Epstein receiving private dances at a Paris mansion where Mandelson had earlier claimed no such activity occurred.

Sensitive Emails and Market Information

Emails disclosed in the files suggest Mandelson forwarded market-sensitive government information to Epstein, including details about plans to sell government land, a proposed tax on bankers’ bonuses, and an impending eurozone bailout.

Epstein was also allegedly informed of Gordon Brown’s resignation before it was made public.

Resignations and Party Turmoil

Following the revelations, Mandelson resigned from both the Labour Party and the House of Lords. His business associate, Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, also stepped down as chief executive of lobbying firm Global Counsel.

Senior Labour figures have warned Starmer that further resignations, including that of his chief of staff, may be necessary to avoid a leadership challenge.

Mandelson: No Criminal Intent

Although Mandelson has not commented publicly since the raids, the BBC reported that he maintains he did not act criminally and did not seek personal gain.

In a previous statement, he said he was wrong to continue his association with Epstein after his conviction and offered an apology to victims.

The government said it stands ready to provide full support to the police investigation.