Former British ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson has been arrested by London police on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to a statement from the Metropolitan Police.
The 72-year-old former diplomat was detained as part of an ongoing criminal investigation launched earlier this month. Authorities confirmed that the arrest is connected to allegations involving a former government minister but did not publicly name Mandelson in their initial statement.
Mandelson had been removed from his prestigious diplomatic role in September, after details of his close association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein came to light. The revelations raised serious concerns within the UK government about his conduct and judgment.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government reportedly shared communications between Mandelson and Epstein with law enforcement authorities, prompting the opening of a formal investigation.
In a brief statement, the Metropolitan Police said:
“Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office.”
No further details have been released regarding the nature of the alleged misconduct or potential charges, and Mandelson has not publicly responded to the arrest so far.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are expected to provide more information as the case develops.