Lord Peter Mandelson has been released on bail by the Met Police after he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The former Labour minister was seen arriving back at his London home at about 2am this morning (February 24), just hours after his arrest on Monday (February 23).
Lord Mandelson has been accused of passing sensitive information to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during his time as business secretary.
Lord Peter Mandelson released on bail by Met Police
In a statement released just after 2am this morning (February 24), a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “A 72-year-old man arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office has been released on bail pending further investigation.
“He was arrested at an address in Camden on Monday, February 23, and was taken to a London police station for an interview.
“This follows search warrants at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden areas.
“We are not able to provide further information at this stage to prevent prejudicing the integrity of the investigation.”
Sir Keir Starmer is due to chair the Cabinet today (February 24), following his former US ambassador’s arrest, which took place on Monday evening (February 23).
Footage showed Lord Mandelson being led out of his house by plain-clothes police officers on Monday.
🚨 WATCH: The moment Peter Mandelson is arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office pic.twitter.com/gOKlYeWhKN
— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) February 23, 2026
Two of his properties were previously searched by police in connection with the allegations, which surfaced following the US Department of Justice’s document dump related to Epstein last month.
As part of the so-called Epstein files, emails from 2009 appear to show Lord Mandelson passing on an assessment by Gordon Brown’s adviser of potential policy measures, including an “asset sales plan”.
He also appeared to discuss a tax on bankers’ bonuses and confirm an imminent bailout package for the euro, the day before it was announced in 2010.
The emails appeared to be sent to Epstein after he became a convicted sex offender.
Lord Mandelson’s arrest and release came days after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Lord Mandelson’s arrest comes days after Andrew was also taken into custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office .
The former prince was released under investigation.
Misconduct in public office (MiPO) is an offence in abuse or neglect of power or responsibilities by someone holding public office, according to the Institute for Government.
The law applies to people in roles across government and public services, including elected officials, civil servants, the police and the judiciary.
The offence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
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Despite being stripped of his title last year, the former duke of York is still eighth in line to the throne, and an Act of Parliament would be required to remove Andrew and prevent him from ever becoming king.
The UK Government is reportedly set to consider introducing such legislation once police have finished their investigation into the King’s disgraced brother.
King Charles expressed his “deepest concern” over the arrest of his younger brother but said the “law must take its course”, adding that the police had his “full and wholehearted support and cooperation”.