British police on Tuesday launched an investigation into Peter Mandelson, Britain’s former ambassador to the US, over alleged misconduct in public office, following claims that he leaked market-sensitive information to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

London’s Metropolitan Police said in a statement that the investigation follows the receipt of reports alleging misconduct in public office, including a referral from the British government.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government handed material to the police to investigate whether Mandelson leaked information to Epstein during the financial crash.

Starmer told his ministers on Tuesday that Mandelson’s alleged leaks to Epstein were “disgraceful.” A few hours later, Mandelson said he would retire from parliament’s upper house, the House of Lords.

“The Met will continue to assess all relevant information brought to our attention as part of this investigation and won’t be commenting any further at this time,” Police Commander Ella Marriott said.

Separately, Thames Valley Police said in a statement they were reviewing a new claim against the former prince Andrew, who the BBC reported on Tuesday had moved from his luxurious Windsor home to a royal estate in eastern England.

Mandelson, a major player in the Labour governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown more than two decades ago, is facing possible criminal charges after emails released by the US as part of the Epstein investigation suggested he had leaked confidential government documents to the financier.

The Times newspaper, which first reported the police investigation, said officers were expected to interview Mandelson and take statements from senior Labour figures, including former prime minister Brown.

Following the announcement of the investigation into Mandelson, a government spokesperson said it stood “ready to provide whatever support and assistance the police need.”

The emails suggest that in 2009, Mandelson sent Epstein a memo written for Brown about possible UK asset sales and tax changes, and in 2010 gave Epstein advance notice of a 500-billion-euro ($590 billion)........

© The Times of Israel