Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley confirmed that the force is examining emails sent by Lord Mandelson to Jeffrey Epstein, which reportedly discussed a €500 billion Eurozone bailout. Rowley stated that the email represented a 'potential criminal offence', though he did not specify the exact nature of the alleged crime. The investigation marks a significant escalation in the fallout from the release of Epstein's private correspondence.
Lord Mandelson's relationship with Epstein spanned from at least 2002 to 2011, according to research by multiple outlets. Newly released emails indicate that Mandelson was in close contact with Epstein during the financial crisis, with correspondence suggesting that Mandelson lobbied the Treasury on banking policy at Epstein's suggestion. In June 2009, Mandelson forwarded an internal government memo about the UK economy to Epstein, and on 9 May 2010, he gave Epstein advance notice of a €500bn EU bailout for Greece. Mandelson also tried to secure changes to a planned tax on bankers' bonuses after conversations with Epstein. In a 2003 birthday book message, Mandelson called Epstein his 'best pal', and he expressed support for Epstein after his 2008 conviction, telling him he 'thought the world of him' and advising him to 'fight for early release'. Mandelson's travel was paid for by Epstein in 2003, and in 2009–10, he passed on confidential government information to Epstein while serving as business secretary.
Lord Mandelson has denied any wrongdoing, stating that he was 'taken in' by a 'charismatic criminal liar' and expressing deep regret for the association. However, the detailed email allegations contradict his denial, raising questions about the veracity of his claims. The emails suggest that Mandelson gave Epstein advance notice of an EU bailout and forwarded internal government memos, actions that would be highly inappropriate for a senior minister.
Lord Mandelson has denied any wrongdoing.
The European Commission has asked the EU's anti-fraud agency (OLAF) to open an inquiry into Lord Mandelson's time as trade commissioner, according to a spokesperson for the commission. OLAF confirmed the opening of an investigation into Peter Mandelson, though the status of that probe remains unclear.
The political fallout has been severe. Mandelson was appointed British Ambassador to the United States in December 2024, but was dismissed in September 2025 after the Epstein files were released. He subsequently resigned from the Labour Party and the House of Lords. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Mandelson 'betrayed our country, our Parliament, and my party'.
The scandal has also led to the resignation of Starmer's Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney and civil servant Olly Robbins. Several political leaders called for Starmer's resignation, including Kemi Badenoch, Ed Davey, Nigel Farage, Zack Polanski, Liz Saville Roberts, and John Swinney.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Mandelson 'betrayed our country, our Parliament, and my party'.
Separately, the Met Police are also reviewing a 'whole range of sexual allegations' against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Rowley confirmed. However, four interviews with Virginia Giuffre did not provide evidence of sexual offending or trafficking that could be investigated in the UK.
The government has confirmed that the Prime Minister cannot overrule Parliament's security watchdog if it wants to publish documents relating to Lord Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to Washington, according to multiple reports.
Several unknowns remain. The specific criminal offence being investigated by the Met Police regarding Mandelson's emails has not been disclosed. It is unclear whether Mandelson actually shared confidential government information with Epstein, and if so, what the content was. The status of OLAF's investigation into Mandelson's time as trade commissioner is not known, and it is uncertain whether Parliament's security watchdog will publish documents relating to Mandelson's appointment. Additionally, it is not known if any other individuals are under investigation in connection with the Epstein files in the UK.