Police search UK ambassador Mandelson's homes in Epstein investigation

Lord Peter Mandelson (Jonathan Brady/PA) Jonathan Brady

Metropolitan Police officers carried out search warrants at two addresses on Friday as part of an ongoing investigation into Lord Peter Mandelson for alleged misconduct in public office. The searches targeted a property in Wiltshire and Mandelson's house near Regent's Park in central London, where two officers arrived in the afternoon, one wearing a body camera.

The 72-year-old peer faces allegations that he shared government information with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during his time as business secretary following the 2008 financial crisis. The claims emerged from documents released as part of the "Epstein files."

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hayley Sewart confirmed in a statement: «I can confirm that officers from the Met's Central Specialist Crime team are in the process of carrying out search warrants at two addresses, one in the Wiltshire area, and another in the Camden area. The searches are related to an ongoing investigation into misconduct in public office offences, involving a 72-year-old man. He has not been arrested and inquiries are ongoing.»

Political pressure mounts

Sir Keir Starmer faces increasing pressure over his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as Britain's ambassador to the US. The revelations from the Epstein files have intensified scrutiny of the appointment.

Parliament passed a motion demanding the release of documents relating to Mandelson's appointment. The Metropolitan Police requested some documents be withheld, claiming their release could jeopardize the criminal investigation.

Mandelson's position

Lord Mandelson has not spoken publicly about the investigation. The BBC understands he maintains he did not act criminally and that his actions were not for personal gain.

The full tranche of documents could take time to be published. Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee must review any items the Government wishes to withhold for national security reasons.

Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).