The Metropolitan Police has searched two addresses linked to Lord Mandelson as part of an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office. The former business secretary is accused of sending market-sensitive information to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein while serving in Gordon Brown's government during the financial crisis.
Former prime minister Gordon Brown described the situation facing Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer as "serious." Brown backed Starmer as a "man of integrity" but said he has been "too slow" to address political integrity issues following the Mandelson controversy.
Brown told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: «This is obviously serious. It happens to everybody about how their future should be gauged. But this is serious, and the task is very clear. The task is we've got to clean up the system, a total clean-up of the system, an end to the corruption and unethical behaviour. And if we don't do it, we'll pay a heavy price.»
Police investigation underway
Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hayley Sewart confirmed searches at two addresses, one in the Wiltshire area and another in the Camden area. The investigation involves a 72-year-old man who has not been arrested.
Sewart said: «This will be a complex investigation requiring a significant amount of further evidence gathering and analysis. It will take some time to do this work comprehensively and we will not be providing a running commentary.»
Mandelson's Epstein connection
The controversy centers on Lord Mandelson's continued friendship with Jeffrey Epstein after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution. The US Department of Justice released messages allegedly showing Mandelson transmitted market-sensitive information to the disgraced financier.
Sir Keir Starmer appointed Mandelson as ambassador to the US despite knowing about the Epstein connection. Angela Rayner, Starmer's former deputy, reportedly warned against the appointment due to the Epstein links.
Political pressure mounts
Labour left winger Kim Johnson told Times Radio: «I'm sorry, I must have to say that I think his position at this moment in time is irredeemable. I'm sad to say.»
The Liberal Democrats called for a Financial Conduct Authority investigation into Lord Mandelson. Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper wrote to the City watchdog: «It is crucial that Mandelson is investigated to see if he or those he leaked information to profited from access to this market sensitive and confidential material. He and others must face criminal prosecution if they are found to have abused trading laws for financial benefit.»
Brown's regret and reform calls
Brown expressed regret for giving Mandelson his peerage and bringing him back into government in 2008. He said he felt "shocked, sad, angry betrayed, let down" by the Epstein messages.
When asked on BBC Radio 4's Today programme if Sir Keir was the right man to take the country forward, Brown said: «I can look in his eyes and I can see that he is a man of integrity. He wants to do the right things. Perhaps he's been too slow to do the right things, but he must do the right things now, and let's judge what he does, on what happens in the next few months when he tries to, and I believe (he) will try, to clean up the system.»
Brown called for US-style confirmation hearings for senior government appointments. He said: «There is a systemic failure to do proper vetting, to go through the proper procedures and to actually have, in my view, what should be public hearings for anybody who is going to be in a senior position representing the British government.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
