Former British Ambassador Arrested Over Epstein File Revelations

Police in London arrested former British ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson on Monday over accusations that he shared confidential information with deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Mandelson, who was Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s ambassador to the United States before he was fired in September 2025, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. 

“Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was arrested at an address in Camden on Monday, February 23 and has been taken to a London police station for interview,” a London police spokesman said. “This follows search warrants at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden areas.”

The arrest comes just days after British police arrested former Prince Andrew in connection with his ties to Epstein. The disgraced ex-royal was also arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, a crime that could be punished with life in prison. He was accused of sharing confidential trade secrets with Epstein. 

Mandelson has said he regrets his relationship with Epstein, but denies any wrongdoing.

The arrests follow the release of emails by the Justice Department that shed further light on Epstein’s relationships with the powerful British political figures.

Previous documents released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee appeared to document a close relationship between Mandelson and Epstein. The documents include a note where Mandelson referred to Epstein as his “best pal” and included a photo of him wearing a bathroom and talking with Epstein. 

Mandelson also told Epstein, after his 2008 convictions for solicitation of prostitution and solicitation of a minor, that he stood with him. 

“I think the world of you and I feel hopeless and furious about what has happened,” Mandelson said. “I can still barely understand it. It just could not happen in Britain.”

The fallout from Mandelson’s ties to Epstein has rocked the British political world. Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned after the release of the Epstein files by the Justice Department. McSweeney took responsibility for Starmer’s decision to install Mandelson as the U.K. Ambassador to the United States. 

Starmer has also faced calls to resign amid questions about his knowledge of the link between Mandelson and Epstein.