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UK police will review reports of alleged misconduct in public office after the latest release of files by the US Justice Department concerning convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein suggested that former minister Peter Mandelson leaked government information to him.
In a statement Monday, Commander Ella Marriott of the Metropolitan Police Service in London said they are aware of the further release of millions of court documents in relation to Epstein.
"Following this release and subsequent media reporting, the Met has received a number of reports relating to alleged misconduct in public office," she said.
"The reports will all be reviewed to determine if they meet the criminal threshold for investigation,” she added.
It came after emails released in the US on Friday revealed that Mandelson forwarded internal government information to Epstein while serving as business secretary in 2009.
"As with any matter, if new and relevant information is brought to our attention, we will assess it and investigate as appropriate," noted Marriott.
Earlier on Monday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Mandelson should not remain a member of the House of Lords due to his links to Epstein.
A government spokesperson said in a statement that Starmer has also asked the Cabinet Secretary to urgently review all available information regarding contact between Mandelson and Epstein.
The latest release of files prompted Mandelson to resign from the Labour Party on Sunday.
In a letter on Monday, Mandelson said: “I have been further linked this weekend to the understandable furor surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and I feel regretful and sorry about this.”
“Allegations which I believe to be false that he made financial payments to me 20 years ago, and of which I have no record or recollection, need investigating by me.
“While doing this, I do not wish to cause further embarrassment to the Labour Party, and I am therefore stepping down from membership of the party,” he added.
The development came amid mounting pressure from UK politicians calling for Mandelson’s removal from the House of Lords, where he is currently “on leave of absence.” (AA)
