"UK Police Scour Mandelson-Linked Homes Amid Epstein Probe"
British police are on the hunt for clues into a scandal surrounding former UK ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson, who is under investigation over alleged links to convicted pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Two properties linked to Mandelson - one in London and another in Wiltshire - have been searched by Metropolitan Police officers as part of an ongoing probe.
The searches come amid mounting pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government over its handling of the Mandelson scandal. The Labour leader, already facing a slump in opinion polls, was forced to sack Mandelson after embarrassing emails were published showing that he had maintained a friendship with Epstein despite the financier's 2008 conviction for sex abuse.
However, new emails released by the US Department of Justice suggest that Mandelson passed on sensitive information to Epstein during his time as business secretary under Labour leader Gordon Brown in the mid-2000s. The revelation has sparked fresh questions over Starmer's judgement and raised concerns about potential cover-ups within the government.
Mandelson, 72, has denied any wrongdoing but is facing an investigation into misconduct in public office. He has not been arrested or charged but his position as a Labour MP and peer has been left uncertain.
The police search of Mandelson-Linked properties is the latest twist in a scandal that has already rocked Starmer's government. The Prime Minister has pledged to cooperate with the investigation and "provide whatever support and assistance the police need".
Mandelson, who resigned from Starmer's Labour Party on Sunday, has not responded to messages seeking comment on the police searches or his involvement in the Epstein probe.
As the fallout from the scandal continues to unfold, Mandelson's allies have come under pressure to explain their actions. His chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, is also facing scrutiny over his close relationship with Mandelson and his role in pushing for his appointment as US ambassador.
The police search of properties linked to Mandelson is just one part of a wider inquiry into the government's handling of its relationships with Epstein and other high-profile figures. The investigation has already raised questions about the level of knowledge and involvement within the government - and whether there were any attempts to cover up or conceal embarrassing information about its dealings with convicted sex offenders.
The probe is also likely to raise concerns over the use of sensitive information in politics, particularly when it comes to foreign policy decisions. As one expert noted, "When you're dealing with sensitive information like that, it's a recipe for disaster. It raises questions about who had access to this information and how they were using it."
With the police search of Mandelson-linked properties now underway, the investigation into the scandal is taking a new turn. The outcome will have significant implications for Starmer's government - and the reputation of those involved in the Epstein affair.
British police are on the hunt for clues into a scandal surrounding former UK ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson, who is under investigation over alleged links to convicted pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Two properties linked to Mandelson - one in London and another in Wiltshire - have been searched by Metropolitan Police officers as part of an ongoing probe.
The searches come amid mounting pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government over its handling of the Mandelson scandal. The Labour leader, already facing a slump in opinion polls, was forced to sack Mandelson after embarrassing emails were published showing that he had maintained a friendship with Epstein despite the financier's 2008 conviction for sex abuse.
However, new emails released by the US Department of Justice suggest that Mandelson passed on sensitive information to Epstein during his time as business secretary under Labour leader Gordon Brown in the mid-2000s. The revelation has sparked fresh questions over Starmer's judgement and raised concerns about potential cover-ups within the government.
Mandelson, 72, has denied any wrongdoing but is facing an investigation into misconduct in public office. He has not been arrested or charged but his position as a Labour MP and peer has been left uncertain.
The police search of Mandelson-Linked properties is the latest twist in a scandal that has already rocked Starmer's government. The Prime Minister has pledged to cooperate with the investigation and "provide whatever support and assistance the police need".
Mandelson, who resigned from Starmer's Labour Party on Sunday, has not responded to messages seeking comment on the police searches or his involvement in the Epstein probe.
As the fallout from the scandal continues to unfold, Mandelson's allies have come under pressure to explain their actions. His chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, is also facing scrutiny over his close relationship with Mandelson and his role in pushing for his appointment as US ambassador.
The police search of properties linked to Mandelson is just one part of a wider inquiry into the government's handling of its relationships with Epstein and other high-profile figures. The investigation has already raised questions about the level of knowledge and involvement within the government - and whether there were any attempts to cover up or conceal embarrassing information about its dealings with convicted sex offenders.
The probe is also likely to raise concerns over the use of sensitive information in politics, particularly when it comes to foreign policy decisions. As one expert noted, "When you're dealing with sensitive information like that, it's a recipe for disaster. It raises questions about who had access to this information and how they were using it."
With the police search of Mandelson-linked properties now underway, the investigation into the scandal is taking a new turn. The outcome will have significant implications for Starmer's government - and the reputation of those involved in the Epstein affair.