UK Government to Review Up to 100,000 Mandelson Files as Starmer Apologises to Epstein Victims
Updated (8 articles)
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Image: NewsweekBritish ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson walks up Downing Street during a visit by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to 10 Downing Street, central London, on June 23, 2025, on the eve of the NATO Summit. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images) Source Full size -
Image: NewsweekBritish ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson walks up Downing Street during a visit by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to 10 Downing Street, central London, on June 23, 2025, on the eve of the NATO Summit. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images) Source Full size
Government launches massive file review amid police cooperation The cabinet has ordered a review of as many as 100,000 electronic and paper records relating to Lord Peter Mandelson’s 2024 appointment as UK ambassador to the United States. The effort is in “early stages,” coordinated with the Metropolitan Police, which has advised against releasing material that could jeopardise its criminal probe [1]. No publication timetable has been set, and officials warn the scope could eclipse previous scandals such as the 2009 expenses inquiry [1].
Starmer publicly apologises and admits prior awareness On 6 February 2026, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer issued a formal apology to Epstein’s victims, saying he was sorry for believing Mandelson’s false statements and for the appointment [2]. Starmer confirmed he knew of Mandelson’s friendship with Epstein at the time of the ambassadorship but claimed he was unaware of its depth, adding that Mandelson “lied repeatedly” about the connection [3]. Labour backbenchers have intensified criticism, linking the scandal to broader concerns about Starmer’s judgment [1][2].
Mandelson’s dismissal and disclosed payments intensify scrutiny Mandelson was removed from his Washington post in September 2025 after emails proved he maintained contact with Epstein following the financier’s 2008 conviction [2][3][4]. U.S. Justice Department files reveal three payments totalling $75,000 made to accounts linked to Mandelson or his partner in 2003‑04, plus a £10,000 payment in 2009 for an osteopathy course [4][6][7]. The revelations have sparked calls for full disclosure of the ambassadorial appointment and for legislative reforms to strip peers of titles [3][8].
Metropolitan Police open misconduct investigation; peer resignation follows The Met announced a criminal investigation into alleged misconduct in public office, a charge that carries a potential life sentence, after reviewing the DOJ‑released emails [5][6][7]. Mandelson announced his resignation from the House of Lords, effective 7 February 2026, while denying any wrongdoing and stating he will verify the authenticity of the payment records [5][6][8]. Prime Minister Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the disclosures as “disgraceful” and called for possible peer‑removal legislation, while opposition parties demand full accountability [5][8].
Sources
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1.
BBC: UK government to review up to 100,000 Mandelson‑related files – Details the scale of the document review, coordination with police, and parliamentary pressure following the Epstein link .
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AP: Starmer apologises to Epstein victims as Mandelson scandal threatens his premiership – Highlights Starmer’s apology, deeper US DOJ ties, and political ramifications for Labour .
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AP: UK Government to Release Emails on Peter Mandelson’s US Ambassador Appointment – Announces the decision to publish emails, Starmer’s prior knowledge, and Conservative demands for full disclosure .
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CNN: Peter Mandelson’s Epstein Ties Trigger Criminal Probe and Political Crisis in Britain – Covers the US criminal probe, Gordon Brown’s condemnation, and financial details of the payments .
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BBC: Met Police Launch Investigation into Peter Mandelson Over Epstein Emails – Reports the Met’s misconduct investigation, peer‑removal considerations, and cross‑party calls for accountability .
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AP: UK Police Launch Investigation into Peter Mandelson Over Epstein Leaks – Provides specifics on the misconduct charge, resignation from the Lords, and the trove of DOJ documents .
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Newsweek: UK Police Launch Probe into Peter Mandelson Over Alleged Epstein‑Linked Misconduct – Emphasizes the criminal threshold, details of a 500‑billion‑euro bailout email, and Mandelson’s departure from Labour .
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BBC: Police review misconduct claims after Mandelson‑Epstein emails released – Summarises the Met’s assessment process, multiple party demands, and the broader push for peer‑removal reform .
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Timeline
2003‑04: Epstein transfers three payments totalling $75,000 to accounts linked to Mandelson or his partner and a £10,000 payment in 2009 for an osteopathy course, as shown in U.S. Justice Department bank records, revealing early financial ties between the former minister and the convicted financier [4][5][8].
2008: The global financial crisis drives the UK government to devise a one‑off tax on bankers’ bonuses and a €500 billion bailout plan, information later leaked in emails that Mandelson allegedly forwarded to Epstein [2][4][5].
2009: While serving as Business Secretary, Mandelson emails confidential details of the proposed bonus tax and bailout to Epstein, forming the core of the later misconduct allegations [2][3][4][5][8].
2024: Prime Minister Keir Starmer appoints Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States despite known past contacts with Epstein, a decision later criticised as a “risky appointment” [4][7].
Dec 2024: Mandelson assumes the Washington post and takes leave from the House of Lords, beginning his short‑lived diplomatic tenure [3].
Sep 2025: Starmer dismisses Mandelson as ambassador after leaked emails confirm ongoing friendship with Epstein following the financier’s 2008 conviction, sparking a wave of parliamentary outrage [6][7].
Early Feb 2026: The Metropolitan Police receive multiple misconduct reports and, after reviewing the DOJ‑released Epstein files, open a formal misconduct‑in‑public‑office investigation into Mandelson, noting the charge can carry a life sentence [3][8].
Feb 4 2026: Detectives confirm the reports meet the threshold for a full criminal probe and launch a Metropolitan Police investigation into alleged market‑sensitive data leaks to Epstein, while the U.S. Justice Department also opens its own inquiry [2][5].
Feb 5 2026: The government agrees that the cross‑party Intelligence and Security Committee will vet and release documents related to Mandelson’s 2024 ambassadorship, aiming to avoid a parliamentary vote and address calls for transparency [7].
Feb 5 2026: Prime Minister Starmer apologises to Epstein’s victims, saying “I am sorry for the harm, for believing Mandelson’s lies, and for appointing him as ambassador,” as pressure mounts on his leadership [6].
Feb 6 2026: The UK government announces a review that could encompass up to 100,000 Mandelson‑related files, coordinating with the Met Police and noting that some material may be withheld to protect the ongoing investigation [1].
Feb 26 2026 (planned): A special election is scheduled, which analysts say could further test Starmer’s premiership amid the unfolding scandal and a series of setbacks since Labour’s 2024 landslide [6].
Future 2026‑2027: Draft legislation to enable the removal of peers is being prepared, reflecting calls from senior officials and opposition parties to strip disgraced figures like Mandelson of their lifetime titles [2][3].
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