Sir Keir Starmer is set to release explosive documents on his appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador after the former minister’s dealings with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein led to a criminal probe and his departure from the House of Lords.
The prime minister is under mounting pressure after the Metropolitan Police on Tuesday announced a criminal investigation into Lord Mandelson over allegations of misconduct in a public office.
Files released by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) last Friday appear to show that Lord Mandelson leaked sensitive government information to Epstein while serving as business secretary in Gordon Brown's Labour administration as it dealt with the 2008 financial crash and its aftermath.
Health secretary Wes Streeting has said there is a feeling of “deep betrayal” across government and the Labour Party after the fresh revelations emerged.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has demanded Downing Street explain the vetting process behind the appointment and will be questioning Sir Keir over the issue at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday.
The Conservative Party intends to table a humble address motion on Wednesday – an arcane parliamentary mechanism that can be used to compel the government to produce documents.
The Tories will seek the release of the due diligence work carried out by the Cabinet Office and emails between Lord Mandelson and the prime minister’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney relating to his association with Epstein.
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Lord Mandelson’s fate is now intertwined with that of the Labour government
Mandelson facing police probe over Epstein emails as he quits House of Lords
Andrew moves out of Royal Lodge home amid Epstein controversy
Key Points
- Mandelson’s US job appointment details set for release amid Epstein fallout
- Starmer set to be grilled at PMQs over Mandelson appointment
- Mandelson facing police probe over Epstein emails as he quits House of Lords
- Badenoch calls on Starmer to give police evidence
- Andrew 'moving out of Royal Lodge', according to reports
Feeling of ‘deep betrayal’ across government after Mandelson revelations, Streeting says
08:25 , Tara CobhamPolitical reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Wes Streeting has said there is a feeling of “deep betrayal” across government and the Labour Party after fresh revelations about Peter Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein emerged over the weekend.
The health secretary described Lord Mandelson’s behaviour as “completely outrageous” and said he personally felt “completely betrayed”.
“There's outrage across the political spectrum on this, and there's outrage up and down the land,” he told Sky News.
“I can tell you, that's felt particularly acutely in the Labour Party, because we also feel this is a portrayal of our values.”
He added: “He's betrayed two prime ministers. He's betrayed his country and our national interest. He's betrayed Epstein's victims.”
Mandelson’s US job appointment details set for release amid Epstein fallout
08:23 , Tara CobhamPapers on Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US will be released by Sir Keir Starmer after the former minister’s dealings with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein led to a criminal probe and his departure from the House of Lords.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch is seeking to force the Government to release all documents showing how Lord Mandelson got the Washington job, including messages exchanged with key figures in Sir Keir’s inner circle including chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and top ministers.
The government will agree to release the requested information unless it is ”prejudicial to UK national security or international relations”.
Lord Mandelson, a political appointment rather than a career diplomat, was sacked in September last year over his links with Epstein.
Mrs Badenoch has tabled a humble address motion in the Commons, an arcane parliamentary mechanism to try to compel the Government to release documents including due diligence work carried out by the Cabinet Office, emails between Lord Mandelson and his ally Mr McSweeney and details of the severance payment made to the peer after he was fired.
The government’s amendment, agreeing to release the papers except for anything which would jeopardise security or diplomatic ties, appears to accept the level of anger on the Labour benches about the Mandelson affair, which could have led to a revolt if MPs were whipped to oppose the release of papers.
PM is committed to ‘maximum transparency’ on details of Mandelson’s US ambassador appointment, Streeting says
08:15 , Tara CobhamPolitical reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
The health secretary has insisted Sir Keir Starmer is committed to “maximum transparency” on the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.
The Conservatives will seek to force the Government to release all papers relating to how Lord Mandelson got the Washington job on Wednesday.
When asked whether the prime minister should release documents relating to the appointment, Wes Streeting said: “I think the prime minister is going for maximum transparency here.
“He's obviously drawing a line that I think people will understand and agree with, which is not releasing information where it might compromise our national security and our security services, or where there may be information in there that might undermine international relations with other countries.
“But apart from those exceptions, the prime minister is going for real transparency here.”
What is a humble address? The arcane parliamentary mechanism Tories are to table
07:57 , Tara CobhamThe Conservative Party will table a humble address motion, an arcane parliamentary mechanism to try to compel the government to release documents including due diligence work carried out by the Cabinet Office, emails between the prime minister’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and Lord Mandelson relating to his association with Epstein, and minutes of meetings held about the appointment.
The opposition sometimes tables a motion in the form of a humble address on opposition days, according to UK Parliament.
It is used to call for papers from departments headed by a secretary of state, and can be debated, amended and voted on like any other motion.
Humble addresses, if passed, are binding on ministers.
Badenoch is demanding Downing St explain vetting process behind Mandelson appointment
07:47 , Tara CobhamAt PMQs, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch will look to focus fresh attention on Sir Keir Starmer’s move to appoint Lord Mandelson the UK’s ambassador to the US last year.
She demanded Downing Street explain the vetting process as she claimed concerns were “waved away” so that the prime minister could make “a political appointment of a man who is a close friend of a convicted paedophile”.
Starmer set to be grilled at PMQs over Mandelson appointment
07:26 , Tara CobhamSir Keir Starmer’s appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US is coming under growing scrutiny, after bombshell revelations about the peer’s dealings with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein led to a criminal probe and his departure from the House of Lords.
The Conservatives will seek to force the government to release all papers relating to how Lord Mandelson got the Washington job as Sir Keir faces MPs for Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday.
The prime minister’s weekly appearance in the Commons follows the launch of a criminal investigation into allegations Lord Mandelson passed market-sensitive information to disgraced financier Epstein while serving in Gordon Brown’s Labour administration as it dealt with the fallout from the 2008 financial crash.
Lord Mandelson is to step down from the Lords on Wednesday, after the revelations in the so-called Epstein files released by US authorities sparked outrage across the political spectrum.
Mandelson facing police probe as he quits Lords – full report
07:00 , Jane Dalton Mandelson facing police probe over Epstein emails as he quits House of Lords
Opinion: Mandelson clearly thinks scandal is for little people
06:00 , Jane Dalton Caught with his pants down, Mandelson clearly thinks scandal is for little people
Prince Edward breaks silence over Andrew-Epstein furore
05:00 , Jane Dalton Prince Edward breaks silence over Andrew-Epstein controversy
Peers rarely stand down in disgrace
05:00 , Jane DaltonIt’s almost unheard of for a peer to step down from the House of Lords in disgrace.
However, in December, two members were suspended from the upper chamber for several months after being found to have exploited their positions for financial gain.
Two House of Lords peers suspended after breaking lobbying rules
The 11 most explosive emails between Epstein and Mandelson
04:00 , Jane DaltonIn case you missed it:
The 11 most explosive emails between Epstein and Mandelson
Editorial: Mandelson’s fate intertwined with government's
03:00 , Jane Dalton Mandelson’s fate is now intertwined with that of the Labour government
Timeline of Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein
02:00 , Jane Dalton Timeline of Lord Mandelson’s controversial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein
Starmer must give police evidence, says Badenoch
01:00 , Jane DaltonKemi Badenoch said Sir Keir Starmer should provide evidence to the police in their Lord Mandelson investigation if required, calling the affair a "national embarrassment".
The Tory leader said the launch of the criminal investigation was inevitable but "should not let this distract us from the fact that the Prime Minister has his fingerprints all over this".
She told Sky News: "I think the Prime Minister has a lot of questions to answer, and not just him, but his chief of staff, and all the people in No 10 who pushed this appointment.
"I think it is a national embarrassment. There are many people who should have been given that job, or who should have been interviewed for that job, and they didn't get a chance."
Asked whether police should interview Sir Keir, Mrs Badenoch said: "I think the police will make that call. But if there is evidence that shows that there is something to do with the Prime Minister, then, of course, yes.
"But, right now, I think the Prime Minister himself needs to come clean and tell us what he knew and when, and be honest about how this ever happened in the first place."
The Conservative Party plans to table a humble address motion, an arcane parliamentary mechanism, to force the government to release all information on Sir Keir Starmer's appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador last year.
Government 'ready to help police probe'
Tuesday 3 February 2026 23:59 , Jane DaltonA government spokesperson said the government stood ready to provide whatever support and assistance the police need in their investigation.
Commander Ella Marriott, of the Metropolitan Police, said: "Following the further release of millions of court documents in relation to Jeffrey Epstein by the United States Department of Justice, the Met received a number of reports into alleged misconduct in public office including a referral from the UK Government.
"I can confirm that the Metropolitan Police has now launched an investigation into a 72-year-old man, a former government minister, for misconduct in public office offences.
"The Met will continue to assess all relevant information brought to our attention as part of this investigation and won't be commenting any further at this time."
Watch: Lib Dems call for national inquiry into Epstein’s links with Mandelson
Tuesday 3 February 2026 23:00 , Jane Dalton Fresh call for national inquiry into Epstein’s links with Mandelson
Breaking: Andrew 'moving out of Royal Lodge' according to reports
Tuesday 3 February 2026 22:46 , Bryony GoochAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor has moved out of his home in Windsor to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk according to the BBC, Sky News and The Sun.
The former prince left Royal Lodge on Monday night and is currently living in a temporary property on the Sandringham Estate while his permanent home undergoes renovations.
Buckingham Palace did not comment on the matter when contacted by The Independent.
Police assessing claim woman was ‘sent to UK for sex with Andrew’
Tuesday 3 February 2026 22:15 , Jane Dalton Police assessing claim woman was ‘sent to UK for sex with Andrew’
Tories seek to force Starmer to release Mandelson appointment papers
Tuesday 3 February 2026 22:00 , Jane DaltonThe Conservatives will seek to force the government to release all information on Sir Keir Starmer's appointment of Lord Mandelson as ambassador to the United States.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch demanded Downing Street explain the vetting process as she claimed concerns were "waived away" so that the prime minister could make "a political appointment of a man who is a close friend of a convicted paedophile".
The Conservative Party on Wednesday intends to table a humble address motion, an arcane parliamentary mechanism which can be used to compel the government to produce documents.
Information it will demand be published include the due diligence work carried out by the Cabinet Office, emails between Lord Mandelson and the Prime Minister's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney relating to his association with Epstein, minutes of meetings held about the appointment and details of payments made to Lord Mandelson on his departure from the Washington role.
Humble addresses, if passed, are binding on ministers.
No records found in Mandelson's mailbox, Brown tells police
Tuesday 3 February 2026 20:58 , Jane DaltonEx-prime minister Gordon Brown has written to the chief of the Metropolitan Police with information relating to Lord Mandelson's alleged disclosure of market-sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein.
He said he had given Sir Mark Rowley information relating to an "inexcusable and unpatriotic act".
Newly released emails from 2009 appeared to show Lord Mandelson shared sensitive information on at least four occasions.
Mr Brown told the Press Association: "I have included the letter I sent in September 2025 asking the Cabinet Secretary to investigate the veracity of information contained in the Epstein papers regarding the sale of assets arising from the banking collapse and communications about them between Lord Mandelson and Mr Epstein.
"I have also included the November 2026 (sic) response from the Cabinet Secretary who said about this that 'no records of information or correspondence from Lord Mandelson's mailbox' could be found.”
It has been reported that Lord Mandelson used a private email address to correspond with senior government figures and Epstein, and that the Cabinet Office cannot retrieve the messages because it is now defunct.
Government says it will support police investigation
Tuesday 3 February 2026 19:30 , Daniel KeaneThe Government has said it will provide any support the Metropolitan Police needs in its criminal investigation into allegations Lord Peter Mandelson leaked confidential information to Jeffrey Epstein.
A Government spokesperson said: "The Government stands ready to provide whatever support and assistance the police need."
Badenoch welcomes investigation into Mandelson
Tuesday 3 February 2026 19:16 , Daniel KeaneConservative leader Kemi Badenoch has said it is “right” there is a full criminal investigation into allegations Lord Peter Mandelson passed market sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein.
However, she told broadcasters it “should not distract from the fact that the Prime Minister appointed a man who was the close friend and associate of a notorious and convicted paedophile”.
Met Police release statement on Mandelson
Tuesday 3 February 2026 19:01 , Daniel KeaneThe Met Police have released a full statement on the investigation into Lord Mandelson.
Commander Ella Marriott, from the Metropolitan Police, said: "Following the further release of millions of court documents in relation to Jeffrey Epstein by the United States Department of Justice, the Met received a number of reports into alleged misconduct in public office including a referral from the UK Government.
"I can confirm that the Metropolitan Police has now launched an investigation into a 72-year-old man, a former Government Minister, for misconduct in public office offences.
"The Met will continue to assess all relevant information brought to our attention as part of this investigation and won't be commenting any further at this time."
Mandelson facing police probe over Epstein emails as he quits House of Lords - full report
Tuesday 3 February 2026 18:39 , Jane Dalton Mandelson facing police probe over Epstein emails as he quits House of Lords
Mandelson facing police probe over Epstein emails as he quits House of Lords - full report
Tuesday 3 February 2026 18:39 , Jane Dalton Mandelson facing police probe over Epstein emails as he quits House of Lords
Criminal investigation into Mandelson claims launched
Tuesday 3 February 2026 18:13 , Jane DaltonA criminal investigation has been launched into allegations Lord Peter Mandelson passed market-sensitive information to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, the Press Association is reporting.
Epstein’s ‘dog muck’ smell won’t wash off Labour
Tuesday 3 February 2026 17:45 , Jane Dalton Epstein’s ‘dog muck’ is now a smell that Labour can’t wash off
The 11 most explosive emails between Epstein and Mandelson
Tuesday 3 February 2026 17:10 , Jane Dalton The 11 most explosive emails between Epstein and Mandelson
Brown slates 'inexcusable and unpatriotic act'
Tuesday 3 February 2026 16:43 , Jane DaltonGordon Brown has written to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley "with information relevant to his investigation of Lord Mandelson's disclosure of market-sensitive and confidential Government information" to Jeffrey Epstein.
He told the Press Association: "I have today written to the Met Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley with information relevant to his investigation of Lord Mandelson's disclosure of market sensitive and confidential Government information to the American financier, Jeffrey Epstein, an inexcusable and unpatriotic act at a time when the whole government and country were attempting to address the global financial crisis that was damaging so many livelihoods.
"I have sent Sir Mark correspondence, exchanged between myself and the Cabinet Secretary last year, and I have also passed over information arising from it that may be important in his current investigation.
"I have included the letter I sent in September 2025 asking the Cabinet Secretary to investigate the veracity of information contained in the Epstein papers regarding the sale of assets arising from the banking collapse and communications about them between Lord Mandelson and Mr Epstein.
"I have also included the November 2026 response from the Cabinet Secretary who said about this that 'no records of information or correspondence from Lord Mandelson's mailbox' could be found.
"Having drawn their attention to relevant evidence, the matter now rests in the hands of the police."
Gordon Brown gives information to police chief
Tuesday 3 February 2026 16:38 , Jane DaltonLabour former prime minister Gordon Brown says he has written to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley "with information relevant to his investigation of Lord Mandelson's disclosure of market-sensitive and confidential Government information" to Jeffrey Epstein.
Starmer says Mandelson was right to quit Lords
Tuesday 3 February 2026 16:21 , Jane DaltonA Downing Street spokesman said: "It is right that Peter Mandelson will no longer be a member of the House of Lords.
"As the Prime Minister said this morning, Peter Mandelson let his country down."
Sir Keir Starmer told his cabinet earlier today he had made clear the government would co-operate with the police in any inquiries they carried out, but he that the government had to go further, working at speed in the Lords, including legislatively if necessary, the prime minister's spokesman said.
Watch: Moment Lords speaker announces Mandelson to step down
Tuesday 3 February 2026 16:10 , Jane Dalton Watch: Moment House of Lords speaker announces Mandelson to step down
Prince Edward breaks silence over Andrew-Epstein furore
Tuesday 3 February 2026 15:52 , Jane Dalton Prince Edward breaks silence over Andrew-Epstein controversy
Mandelson could have breached Official Secrets Act, says Farage
Tuesday 3 February 2026 15:40 , Jane DaltonReform UK leader Nigel Farage has questioned whether Lord Mandelson breached the Official Secrets Act in his discussions with Jeffrey Epstein.
He said: "It is highly sensitive market information. It is government secrets.
"I also wonder whether, in emails to Epstein, he talked about the security apparatus that exists underneath No 10 and at the heart of Whitehall. That is information that is of national security importance. "
Peers rarely stand down in disgrace
Tuesday 3 February 2026 15:24 , Jane DaltonIt’s almost unheard of for a peer to step down from the House of Lords in disgrace.
However, in December, two members were suspended from the upper chamber for several months after being found to have exploited their positions for financial gain.
Two House of Lords peers suspended after breaking lobbying rules
Watch: Mandelson to quit House of Lords
Tuesday 3 February 2026 15:20 , Jane DaltonMandelson retires tomorrow
Tuesday 3 February 2026 15:05 , Jane DaltonLord Mandelson will formally retire from the House of Lords tomorrow, the newly installed Lord Speaker Lord Forsyth of Drumlean said.
He told the upper chamber: "Given the public interest and for the convenience of the House, I've decided to inform the House that the clerk of the Parliaments has today received notification from Lord Mandelson of his intention to retire from the House, effective from February 4.
"I will formally notify this to the house tomorrow in the usual way."
Mandelson to step down from House of Lords
Tuesday 3 February 2026 15:00 , Jane Dalton Mandelson to step down from House of Lords amid Epstein email scandal
Mandelson to quit Lords
Tuesday 3 February 2026 14:54 , Jane DaltonBreaking news: Lord Mandelson is to step down from the House of Lords, it has been announced by the Lord Speaker.
Pictured: Epstein and Mandelson together in latest release
Monday 2 February 2026 23:00 , Bryony Gooch