Mandelson's lawyers say he was arrested over 'baseless' claim he was a flight risk
BBC World
February 24, 2026
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Lord Peter Mandelson, a prominent British politician, was arrested at his London home on Monday amid claims he was a flight risk, a charge his lawyers have dismissed as "baseless." The former ambassador to the US was taken into custody by police under suspicion of misconduct in public office and later released on bail. Mandelson's legal team emphasized that there is no credible evidence suggesting he planned to leave the UK, stating their client remains committed to cooperating with the investigation to clear his name.
The arrest followed an ongoing probe into allegations that Mandelson shared sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted paedophile who passed away in 2019. The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) confirmed the arrest but declined to comment further. Mandelson was detained despite an agreement to attend a voluntary police interview next month. He spent nine hours at Wandsworth police station before being released on bail.
The investigation stems from documents released by the US Department of Justice last month, which included emails between Mandelson and Epstein. These exchanges allegedly reveal discussions about policy measures, including an asset sales plan and a tax on bankers' bonuses, as well as insights into a bailout package for the Euro announced in 2010. Mandelson's legal team maintains that he acted appropriately and without financial motivation.
Mandelson, a key figure in British politics for decades, served as Labour's spin doctor during the 1980s and played a pivotal role in Tony Blair's 1997 election victory. He later became the UK's ambassador to the US but was dismissed in September 2023 after new details about his connection to Epstein emerged.
This case has drawn significant attention due to Mandelson's high-profile political career and his ties to influential figures like Epstein, who has been linked to multiple high-profile scandals. The outcome of the investigation could have far-reaching implications for Mandelson's reputation and career, potentially damaging his legacy in British politics.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/24/2026