UK3 min(s) read
Published 17:20 23 Feb 2026 GMT
Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed.
Footage circulating online showed the senior political figure being driven away from his home in an unmarked vehicle, per the Guardian.
Officers were seen escorting him from the property before he was transported for questioning, marking a dramatic turn in a story that has sent shockwaves through Westminster.
The arrest comes amid allegations that the former Labour minister and current US ambassador passed on information to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during his time serving as business secretary.
Police have also executed searches at two properties linked to Mandelson as part of their investigation.
In an official statement, the Metropolitan Police detailed the operation and confirmed the arrest.
A spokesperson said: “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.
“This follows search warrants at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden areas.”
Authorities have not provided further details regarding the scope of the allegations or what information investigators are specifically examining. However, the execution of search warrants across two counties indicates the seriousness of the inquiry.
Mandelson has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The arrest also comes at a significant political moment. Earlier on Monday afternoon, the government announced that documents relating to Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador would be published in early March.
The timing is likely to intensify interest in both the forthcoming documents and the ongoing police investigation.
Mandelson's arrest comes a few days after the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew.
Thames Valley Police took the 66-year-old into custody in connection with an investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office.
The arrest occurred in the morning, coinciding with Andrew’s birthday.
Thames Valley Police revealed that the arrest was part of a wider inquiry, and searches are being carried out at locations in both Berkshire and Norfolk.
“As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The man remains in police custody at this time," the police statement read.
However, the department also emphasized that, per national guidance, they would not be naming the arrested individual at this stage due to the ongoing investigation.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright spoke about the case, saying: “It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.
"We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time," he added.
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