British police have searched two properties linked to Peter Mandelson as part of an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office, authorities confirmed on

Friday. The inquiry follows renewed scrutiny of Mandelson’s past relationship with the late U.S. financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The case has triggered political fallout for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who appointed Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to the United States in 2024. That decision has drawn sharp criticism after reports detailed the depth of Mandelson’s ties to Epstein. Starmer issued a public apology on Thursday, acknowledging the controversy surrounding the appointment.

The Metropolitan Police said search warrants were executed at two locations — one in Wiltshire, in southern England, and another in the Camden area of north London. Officers confirmed that no arrest has been made. The individual under investigation was described as a 72-year-old man.

The investigation was launched earlier this week after police received allegations of misconduct in public office, including a formal referral from the government. Authorities said the inquiry remains active.

Fresh attention was drawn to Mandelson after the U.S. Justice Department released a batch of files last week, including emails that appear to show Mandelson sharing sensitive government material with Epstein. The documents also suggest Epstein made financial payments to Mandelson and his then partner, now his husband.

According to the released correspondence, Mandelson allegedly sent Epstein a confidential memo in 2009 prepared for then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown, outlining potential UK asset sales and tax policy changes. Another email suggests that in 2010 Mandelson gave Epstein advance notice of a €500 billion European Union bailout package.

Starmer has pledged to release government documents related to Mandelson, but that commitment is currently on hold. Police have advised against disclosing certain materials, warning that doing so could compromise the investigation.

Mandelson was dismissed from his ambassadorial role last September. The latest revelations have intensified criticism from opposition figures and members of Starmer’s own party, some of whom have questioned the prime minister’s judgement at a time when opinion polls already show declining public support.

Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party on Sunday and stepped down from his seat in the House of Lords on Tuesday. He has not responded to requests for comment.

The government said it is fully cooperating with the investigation and stands ready to provide any assistance requested by police. Photo by World Economic Forum from Cologny, Switzerland, Wikimedia commons.