Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has written directly to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner regarding Lord Mandelson’s communications with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The former Labour leader stated his correspondence concerned “Mandelson’s disclosure of market sensitive and confidential government information” to Epstein.
The intervention comes as Metropolitan Police examine whether Lord Mandelson breached protocols by sharing confidential details with Epstein during his time as a government minister. Police confirmed they had received a formal referral from the government over the matter.
A Cabinet Office review of documents released by the US Department of Justice found that emails sent by Lord Mandelson to Epstein likely contained market sensitive information relating to the 2008 financial crash and official activities undertaken to stabilise the economy afterwards.
The Metropolitan Police stated they had received “a number of reports relating to alleged misconduct in a public office” following the latest release of files connected to Epstein. A spokesperson confirmed a referral from government had been received and said they anticipated providing a further update later.
Commander Ella Marriott of the Met stated: “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.”
Lord Mandelson has previously apologised for maintaining his association with Epstein following the financier’s conviction. “I was wrong to believe Epstein following his conviction and to continue my association with him afterwards. I apologise unequivocally for doing so to the women and girls who suffered,” he stated.
In an interview with The Times conducted last week but published on Monday, Mandelson referred to “a handful of misguided historical emails, which I deeply regret sending.” He described Epstein as “muck that you can’t get off your shoe” during the conversation.
The government’s initial assessment examined correspondence contained within documents released by US authorities as part of legal proceedings related to Epstein’s criminal activities. Officials specifically reviewed whether emails sent whilst Mandelson served as a minister contained information that should have remained confidential under government protocols.
Market sensitive information typically encompasses details that could affect financial markets or provide unfair trading advantages if disclosed prematurely. The 2008 financial crisis required unprecedented government intervention in banking and financial sectors, with ministers and officials handling highly confidential data regarding rescue packages and economic stabilisation measures.
Metropolitan Police will now determine whether material in the emails meets the threshold for a criminal investigation into potential misconduct in public office. The force has indicated it will provide updates on its assessment in due course.
