Criminal investigation launched into Mandelson

A criminal investigation has been launched into allegations that Peter Mandelson leaked market sensitive information from Downing Street to Jeffrey Epstein.

It comes after emails appeared to show conversations between the pair about political matters while Lord Mandelson was serving as business secretary and the de-facto deputy prime minister in 2009, in Gordon Brown's government. Politics live: How did we get here with Peter Mandelson? The SNP, Lib Dems and Plaid Cymru had all called for a formal police inquiry, alleging potential misconduct in public office.

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." Lord Mandelson is set to step down from the House of Lords following the latest revelations. Documents released by the US Department of Justice on Monday indicate Epstein was sent internal discussions from the heart of the UK government after the global financial crisis.

That includes emails in which Lord Mandelson appeared to tell Epstein he was "trying hard" to change government policy on bankers' bonuses, and to confirm an imminent bailout package for the euro the day before it was announced. The peer also appeared to write to Epstein in June 2009 about an "interesting note that's gone to the PM.