Metropolitan Police Apologise to Lord Speaker
The Metropolitan Police have issued an apology to the Speaker of the House of Lords after mistakenly identifying him as the source of information concerning Lord Mandelson's arrest.
Earlier on Thursday, officers met with Lord Forsyth following his request for urgent discussions to clarify how his name became associated with the matter.
Details of Lord Mandelson's Arrest
Lord Mandelson's legal representatives stated that police arrested the former UK ambassador to the United States at his London residence on Monday due to an unfounded allegation that he intended to "take up permanent residence abroad."
On Wednesday, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle confirmed that he had provided information to the police suggesting that Lord Mandelson might be a flight risk.
The BBC has learned that police informed Lord Mandelson's lawyers on two occasions that the information regarding his alleged travel plans had been passed on by Lord Forsyth.
Lord Forsyth Denies Involvement
On Tuesday evening, the Lord Speaker denied any involvement after initial reports named him as the source of the referral.
He called the suggestion "entirely false and without foundation".
Sir Lindsay Hoyle's Statement
On Wednesday, Sir Lindsay addressed MPs, stating that he had provided "relevant" information to the police and that he did so "in good faith," considering it his "duty and responsibility." He did not disclose further details; however, the BBC understands that Sir Lindsay relayed information he had received during a recent visit to the British Virgin Islands indicating that Lord Mandelson planned to travel there.
Metropolitan Police Apology
On Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police apologised to Sir Lindsay for "inadvertently revealing" that he was the source of information related to Lord Mandelson's arrest.
Following Lord Forsyth's meeting with officers on Thursday, the force issued a statement:
"The Met has also apologised to the Speaker of the House of Lords, following the inadvertent revealing of information into allegations of misconduct in public office."
Investigation into Allegations Against Lord Mandelson
The Metropolitan Police initiated an investigation earlier this month into allegations that Lord Mandelson, during his tenure as a minister, passed market-sensitive government information to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The BBC understands that Lord Mandelson maintains he has not engaged in any criminal conduct and was not motivated by financial gain.
His lawyers have stated that he intends to cooperate fully with the police to "clear his name."
Details of Police Interview and Bail
Lord Mandelson was taken to Wandsworth police station in London for an interview and was subsequently released on bail pending further inquiries.
It is reported that surrendering his passport was among the conditions of his bail.
Background on Lord Mandelson's Role and Dismissal
Lord Mandelson was appointed British ambassador to the United States in February 2025.
He was dismissed in September after Downing Street announced that new information had emerged regarding the extent of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
The allegations surfaced following the release of documents by the US Department of Justice last month, which included emails exchanged between Lord Mandelson and Epstein.
