Timeline
February 23, 2026 — February 26, 2026
World
Timeline: How the Peter Mandelson-Epstein Scandal Unfolded Over Four Days
Former UK Ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson was arrested in February 2026 following revelations about his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The scandal erupted after US Department of Justice documents showed Mandelson allegedly shared sensitive government information with Epstein while serving as a cabinet minister, leading to his arrest, international investigations, and calls for Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation.
8 events · 3 days · 30 source articles
Thu, Jan 15, 2026
Major
US releases Epstein files implicating Mandelson
The US Department of Justice released documents in January 2026 that appeared to show Peter Mandelson sharing sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as business secretary in Gordon Brown's cabinet from 2008 to 2010. The emails revealed Epstein paid for an osteopathy course for Mandelson's husband and suggested internal government information was shared.
Sun, Feb 1, 2026
Moderate
Mandelson resigns from Labour Party
Following the Epstein file revelations, Lord Mandelson announced his resignation from the Labour Party, stating he did not want to cause 'further embarrassment.' This came after he had already been fired from his position as British ambassador to the US in September 2025 when the depth of his friendship with Epstein became clear.
Sat, Feb 14, 2026
Major
Police open criminal investigation into Mandelson
The Metropolitan Police opened a criminal investigation into misconduct in public office after Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government passed on communications between Mandelson and Epstein. Police conducted search warrants at two addresses linked to the former ambassador in Wiltshire and Camden.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Major
Mandelson arrested at his London home
Police arrested the 72-year-old former ambassador at his residence in Camden, north London, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Television footage showed plainclothes officers leading Mandelson to an unmarked car around dusk. He was not handcuffed and was taken to a London police station for questioning.
Tue, Feb 24, 2026
Moderate
Mandelson released on bail pending investigation
After questioning, the Metropolitan Police released Mandelson on bail pending further investigation. The arrest came only days after ex-prince Andrew was also detained in connection with the Epstein files, indicating a broader UK investigation into Epstein's associates.
Thu, Feb 26, 2026
Moderate
Scandal brings down lobbying firm Global Counsel
Politico Europe reported that the Epstein files scandal led to the collapse of Global Counsel, a lobbying powerhouse co-founded by Mandelson. Former staff indicated the public affairs firm could have been saved if it had acted sooner against Mandelson.
Thu, Feb 26, 2026
Major
European Commission refers Mandelson to fraud investigators
The European Commission referred Mandelson to OLAF, the EU's anti-fraud office, to investigate whether he breached the bloc's code of conduct while serving as EU trade commissioner from 2004 to 2008. Recently released files suggested he gave Epstein information about a €500 billion bailout to save the euro in 2010.
Thu, Feb 26, 2026
Major
UK government agrees framework to release vetting documents
The Intelligence and Security Committee announced that the UK government had agreed a framework with police on which documents relating to Mandelson's late 2024 appointment as ambassador could be released. The scandal prompted calls for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to step down, with material about Mandelson's vetting being received by the Cabinet Office from across government.
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