The Epstein files

Revelations about the late Jeffrey Epstein (1953 - 2019) and his involvement with various individuals continue to emerge as files are released by the USA Department of Justice - see BBC Takeaways from the Epstein Files where it is stated that 'three million pages, 180,000 images and 2,000 videos were posted publicly on Friday' (30 January). 

The release of documents came six weeks after the department missed a deadline signed into law by US President Donald Trump that mandated all Epstein-related documents be shared with the public. 

One notable individual referred to in the files is the politician Lord Mandelson. 

As reported by the BBC 2 February 2026, 'Email exchanges published in the US indicate Lord Mandelson was in close contact with the disgraced late financier during a period in which he was at the heart of government amid the financial crisis. The emails suggest Lord Mandelson gave Epstein advance notice of an impending EU bailout, sent him internal government information about the state of the UK economy and lobbied the Treasury on banking policy at Epstein's suggestion.'

Mandelson was Member of Parliament for Hartlepool (1992 - 2004) and served in the Cabinets of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown as Minister without portfolio, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Business Secretary and First Secretary of State. He was a European Commissioner (2004 - 2008) and served as British Ambassador to the United States from February to September 2025 under Keir Starmer.

In the light of the Epstein files, it is reported that Mandelson is now under investigation by the Metropolitan Police - BBC News 2 February 2026. The report states - 'Police are reviewing reports of alleged misconduct in a public office after Lord Mandelson was accused of passing on sensitive government information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.'

Misconduct in Public Office is an offence which this blog covered as recently as November 2025 - see previous post. 

The elements of the offence were set out in Attorney General's Reference 3/2003 reported at [2004] EWCA Crim 868. At para 61 of the judgment, the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) summarised the requirements:

1. A public officer acting as such 

2. Wilfully neglects to perform his duty and/or wilfully misconducts himself 

3. To such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public's trust in the office holder 

4. Without reasonable excuse or justification.

The court added that, as with other criminal charges, it will be for the judge to decide whether there is evidence capable of establishing guilt of the offence and, if so, for the jury to decide whether the offence is proved.