Former UK ambassador questioned over alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein as political pressure mounts

FORMER Labour cabinet minister Lord Peter Mandelson has been arrested after police searched two of his homes as part of an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office.

The 72-year-old, who previously served as the UK’s ambassador to the United States, is accused of leaking sensitive government information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Officers were seen at one of his properties earlier this month, and he was later taken from his London home in an unmarked police vehicle.

His arrest comes only days after Prince Andrew was detained on suspicion of similar offences, with police also carrying out extensive searches of his residences, including Royal Lodge, over an eleven-hour period. Investigators are now expected to examine electronic devices seized during the operations, including phones and computers.

The Metropolitan Police previously confirmed that warrants were executed at addresses in Camden and Wiltshire in connection with an ongoing investigation involving a 72-year-old man suspected of misconduct in public office.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hayley Sewart said officers from the Met’s Central Specialist Crime team were leading the inquiry.

The allegations relate to documents reportedly contained within files linked to Epstein, which appear to suggest Mandelson shared confidential or market-sensitive government information during his time in office. The extent of his association with Epstein has become a major political controversy, raising questions about vetting and judgement at the highest levels of government.

The situation has also created significant political pressure on the Prime Minister, who had appointed Mandelson to the ambassadorial role last year. Downing Street has since been forced to release thousands of emails and messages relating to the appointment, with officials continuing to review the correspondence.

Several MPs have publicly criticised the decision to appoint Mandelson, with some calling for senior figures within government to take responsibility for what they describe as a serious lapse in judgement.

Police have not yet confirmed whether any charges will follow.

POLICE have issued a warning to motorbike sellers after a spate of thefts linked to Facebook Marketplace across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that five motorbikes and one electric bike were reported stolen between Tuesday (Feb 4) and Tuesday (Feb 18), with offences typically occurring late at night or during the early hours of the morning.

Officers say suspects have been contacting sellers who advertised motorcycles online, posing as genuine buyers in order to obtain home addresses for viewings. Shortly after these details were shared, the bikes were stolen.

Three men have been arrested in connection with the incidents and have since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Police are now urging anyone selling a motorbike online to take extra precautions.

A spokesperson said: “We are advising sellers to choose a public location for any viewing or exchange, avoid engaging with suspicious accounts that appear newly created or incomplete, and always use secure payment methods.”

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police, either online or by calling 101.

A PEMBROKESHIRE man who sent a message threatening to kill Pembrokeshire Herald editor Tom Sinclair has been given a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Anthony Jones, aged 34, of Castle Quarry, Long Mains, Monkton, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 23) for sentencing after being found guilty of two offences following a trial earlier this month.

The court heard that on February 24, 2025, Jones sent a communication conveying a threat of death or serious harm, contrary to the Online Safety Act 2023. Magistrates were told he intended, or was reckless as to whether, the recipient would fear the threat would be carried out.

Jones was also convicted of racially aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress following an incident on April 8, 2025, in Pembroke involving a police officer.

Magistrates imposed a total custodial sentence of 26 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, for the threats against Mr Sinclair. He was also ordered to pay £500 compensation to the victim, £640 prosecution costs, and a £154 surcharge.

For the racially aggravated harassment offence, Jones received a separate 12-week prison sentence, also suspended for 12 months, to run concurrently, together with £200 compensation.

The court was told the offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified, with magistrates noting the defendant had shown a “flagrant disregard for people” and had targeted the victim with serious threats.

A victim personal statement from Mr Sinclair was read to the court by the prosecutor.

The custodial sentences were suspended after the court heard Jones had not offended for some time, was employed, had children, and was assessed by probation as not presenting a high risk of harm or reoffending.