A criminal investigation has been launched into allegations Peter Mandelson passed market-sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein.
The 72-year-old is set to leave his role in the House of Lords, the Lord Speaker confirmed this afternoon.
Commander Ella Marriott, of the Metropolitan Police, said: "Following the further release of millions of court documents in relation to Jeffrey Epstein by the United States Department of Justice, the Met received a number of reports into alleged misconduct in public office including a referral from the UK Government.
"I can confirm that the Metropolitan Police has now launched an investigation into a 72-year-old man, a former Government minister, for misconduct in public office offences.
"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."
Sir Keir Starmer said earlier today that he was "appalled" by the revelations relating to Mandelson in recent days, demanding the Government "move at pace".
A Downing Street spokesman said: "It is right that Peter Mandelson will no longer be a member of the House of Lords. As the Prime Minister said this morning, Peter Mandelson let his country down."
Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats have called on Sir Keir Starmer to open a national public enquiry.
Party leader Sir Ed Davey said: "The Prime Minister has questions to answer. He has to be held to account for appointing Peter Mandelson to the most prestigious role in our diplomatic life, the ambassador to the United States.
"What did the Prime Minister know? What was he told? And why wasn’t he told more?
"We really need to get to the bottom of that. The Prime Minister has to answer those questions."
Labour suffers defeat in Lords over school smartphone ban
A ban on pupils in England using smartphones during the school day has been backed in the House of Lords by 178 votes to 140 in a defeat for the Government.
Downing Street and White House to 'continue working closely' over Chagos base
Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump agreed to "continue working closely to guarantee the future operation" of the UK-US military base on the Chagos Islands, Downing Street said.
It is the first known discussion between the two leaders about the UK’s Chagos Islands handover deal since the US president’s extraordinary attack on the agreement last month.
In a readout of the two leaders’ call, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: "Turning to Diego Garcia, and the deal the UK has secured to maintain control of the US-UK military base to protect national security, the leaders recognised its strategic importance.
"The leaders agreed their governments would continue working closely to guarantee the future operation of the base and speak again soon."
Under the deal, the UK will cede sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius but lease back the Diego Garcia facility.
Mr Trump in January lambasted the agreement as an "act of great stupidity", an "act of total weakness" and claimed the site of the vital military base was being given away "for no reason whatsoever."
Reform MPs left confused in voting lobbies over two-child benefit cap
Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman were left confused in the voting lobbies
|PA
Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman were left confused as the pair reportedly ended up with Labour MPs in the lobby to vote in favour of lifting two-child benefit cap.
Sky News reports the two former senior Tories "got on their phones trying to get instructions from Farage as to whether they should be there or not. They tried to leave at one point but got trapped as the doors were locked."
A party source admitted it was a "genuine mistake", with neither MP registering a vote.
The other sitting Reform MPs voted against lifting the cap.
Responding on social media, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: "They're Nigel's problem now", accompanied by a laughing emoji.
Kemi Badenoch says Keir Starmer has 'a lot of questions to answer' over Peter Mandelson appointment
Sir Keir Starmer "has a lot of questions to answer" about the appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, Kemi Badenoch has said.
The Conservative leader said: "I think it is right that there is an investigation, but this should not distract from the fact that the Prime Minister appointed a man who was the close friend and associate of a notorious and convicted paedophile.
"[Sir Keir] knew all of this long before the investigations were required and he still did that.
"He has a lot of questions to answer and he should not try and distract anyone by talking about removing peerages or investigations. The Prime Minister himself should be answering questions about how this happened."
Pat McFadden says children used as 'pawns' over two-child benefit cap
Pat McFadden speaking in the Commons earlier today
|PA
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said the controversial two-child benefits cap had seen children used as "pawns".
Mr McFadden was speaking as the plan has moved a step closer to being scrapped after legislation cleared the first stage in Parliament.
He told MPs: "It (the policy) was never really about welfare reform, nor was it even about saving money.
"No, this was always first and foremost a political exercise, an attempt to set a trap for opponents, with children used as the pawns in the exercise.
"This was all about the politics of dividing lines, dividing lines between so-called shirkers and strivers, between the old distinction of the deserving and undeserving poor."
Law to scrap two-child benefits cap passes first Commons hurdle
A new law to scrap the two-child benefit cap has passed its first Commons hurdle, after MPs voted 458 to 104 at second reading.
Full list of Gorton & Denton by-election candidates confirmed
The full list of candidates standing in the upcoming Gorton & Denton by-election has been confirmed.
Those standing in the by-election on February 26 are:
- Nick Buckley – Advance UK
- Charlotte Cadden – Conservatives
- Dan Clarke – Libertarian Party
- Matt Goodwin – Reform UK
- Sir Oink A Lot – The Official Monster Raving Looney Party
- Joseph O’Meachair – Rejoin EU
- Sebastian Moore – Social Democratic Party
- Jacqueline Pearcey – Liberal Democrats
- Hannah Spencer – Green Party
- Angeliki Stogia – Labour Party
- Hugo Wils – Communist League
Reform UK rejects claims two-child benefit cap policy is 'racist'
Reform UK has hit back at claims from Tory and Green MPs its plans to reform the two-child benefit cap is "racist."
Nigel Farage's party has been slammed for arguing the cap should be lifted only for those families where both parents are British-born and in full-time work.
Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion Siân Berry told MPs she wanted to "utterly reject the racist agenda of the Reform members’ objections."
Conservative former minister Kit Malthouse said Reform is calling for "open discrimination" and pointed out that the policy would affect his own children and the children of sitting Reform MPs.
The MP for North West Hampshire said: "There is something grotesque about seeking legislation which seeks to downgrade the citizenship of your own children."
Reform UK's Sarah Pochin said: "Due to higher birth rates amongst foreign nationals, a significant amount of this additional expenditure is expected to go to households where at least one parent is born outside the UK.
"Reform will only lift the cap for British families where both parents are in full-time work."
Former Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell, later branded Ms Pochin’s views as "racist", while Sam Rushworth, Labour MP for Bishop Auckland, said he was "deeply offended" by the comments.
A spokesman for Reform UK said: "Our policy has nothing to do with race. The MPs making these comments are wilfully misrepresenting the policy.
"Reform UK’s policy on the two-child cap applies to British couples who are both in full-time work, whether that be by birth or naturalisation."
Birmingham City Council says administration is 'no longer bankrupt'
A Birmingham City declared itself bankrupt almost three years ago
| FlickrBirmingham is no longer bankrupt, the city council’s leader has said, nearly two-and-a-half years after the government stepped in to help run it.
Labour-run Birmingham City Council has shared budget proposals before a meeting of the cabinet next week that include an extra £130million of investment in services, but £95million of savings are still needed, the report warns.
Europe’s largest local authority issued a section 114 notice in September 2023, meaning it was essentially bankrupt, after it admitted it had an estimated £760million equal pay liability.
Speaking on Tuesday, the authority’s leader, John Cotton, said the council is back on track, is no longer under a section 114 notice and has "laid foundations to become the council that the people of this city deserve."
The £130million of investment would go towards tackling knife crime, improving youth services, cleaning up the streets and the city’s libraries.
Mr Cotton said: "Thanks to the decisive, tough action we took to get the council back on track, the 'bankrupt Birmingham' tag is now a thing of the past.
"This is a significant moment in the council’s recovery and is down to the sheer hard work that has been undertaken here in Birmingham by members and officers, supported by commissioners."
Ministers urged to go further on tackling child poverty by Labour MPs
Labour MPs have urged the Government to be "truly ambitious" in its plans to lift children out of poverty.
Chairwoman of the Work and Pensions Committee Debbie Abrahams welcomed the draft law which will scrap the two-child benefit cap, but described it as a "down payment."
Helen Hayes, who chairs the Education Committee, also pressed for further measures to tackle child poverty and "not simply lifting the poorest children just above a threshold."
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden told the Commons the removal of the policy, which restricts child tax credit and universal credit to the first two children in most households, will ensure “children have the chance of a better life."
However, during the Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill’s second reading debate on Tuesday, Ms Abrahams argued "there needs to be more" to alleviate child poverty.
The Labour MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth said: "We are lifting 450,000 children to 500,000 children out of poverty, which is fantastic, but this is just about 10 per cent of all children that are living in poverty.
"So we need to have our eye on that 90 per cent that is still remaining. That is an important first step, but it’s the first step."
WATCH: Baroness Hoey delivers brutal verdict of Peter Mandelson downfall: 'I am not surprised!'
Gordon Brown has written to Scotland Yard over Lord Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein
Gordon Brown has written to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley "with information relevant to his investigation of Lord Mandelson’s disclosure of market sensitive and confidential Government information" to Jeffrey Epstein.
The former Prime Minister said: "I have sent Sir Mark correspondence, exchanged between myself and the Cabinet Secretary last year, and I have also passed over information arising from it that may be important in his current investigation.
"I have included the letter I sent in September 2025 asking the Cabinet Secretary to investigate the veracity of information contained in the Epstein papers regarding the sale of assets arising from the banking collapse and communications about them between Lord Mandelson and Mr Epstein.
"I have also included the November 2026 response from the Cabinet Secretary who said about this that 'no records of information or correspondence from Lord Mandelson’s mailbox' could be found.
"Having drawn their attention to relevant evidence, the matter now rests in the hands of the police."
Zack Polanski claims Nigel Farage is 'running scared' after rejecting TV debate challenge
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Green leader Zack Polanski | PAZack Polanski has accused Nigel Farage of "running scared" after rejecting the Green Party leader's challenge for a one-to-one TV debate.
The Green Party leader has repeatedly requested a debate with his Reform UK counterpart.
When asked about it at a press conference, Mr Farage said: "I generally find that if you pick a fight with a chimney sweep you get covered in soot, so I might just leave that alone."
"But he's got a fan club, all the heroin smokers and everything"
In response, Mr Polanski said: "Farage [is] running scared again.
"Hannah Spencer is coming for Reform and Labour is out of the race in Gorton & Denton. Lower bills, tax the rich, protect the NHS. We will win."
Downing Street says it is 'right' Peter Mandelson will no longer be a Lord
The Prime Minister's spokesman has welcomed the news that Peter Mandelson will leave his role in the House of Lords.
A Downing Street spokesman said: "It is right that Peter Mandelson will no longer be a member of the House of Lords.
"As the Prime Minister said this morning, Peter Mandelson let his country down."
Liberal Democrats say Keir Starmer must be 'held to account' over Peter Mandelson appointment
Sir Ed Davey has said the Prime Minister must be "held to account" for his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US.
The Liberal Democrat leader said: "The Prime Minister has questions to answer. He has to be held to account for appointing Peter Mandelson to the most prestigious role in our diplomatic life, the ambassador to the United States.
"What did the Prime Minister know? What was he told? And why wasn’t he told more? We really need to get to the bottom of that. The Prime Minister has to answer those questions."
Sir Ed said that Lord Mandelson’s alleged passing on of sensitive material to Jeffrey Epstein while a Cabinet minister was "one of the grievous breaches of national security I’ve ever seen" and warrants a full public inquiry.
WATCH: Lord Speaker announces Peter Mandelson's retirement from the House of Lords
WATCH: Nigel Farage blasts Labour's 'grave errors of judgement' over Peter Mandelson
Reform UK announce five-point plan to 'save Britain's pubs'
Reform UK's Lee Anderson has announced the party's five-point plan to "save Britain's pubs".
Mr Anderson vowed to "stop the rot" in the hospitality sector, with five cost reductions to revive the sector:
- The first was to reduce VAT to 10 per cent for hospitality. He says this will "create a fairer playing field between hospitality and supermarkets."
- They vowed to scrap the national insurance increase for hospitality businesses. This was announced in Rachel Reeves's November Budget.
- Thirdly, they pledged to cut beer duty by 10 per cent.
- Reform said they intend to stagger business rate abolition for all pubs over a four-year period. Mr Anderson said that "business rates are killing our hospitality businesses."
- Finally, Reform revealed they are looking to change regulations into beer orders, that tied landlords into long-term contracts, Mr Anderson said.
Sadiq Khan's car ban risks increasing traffic 'rather than reducing it' as thousands face daily diversions
Sadiq Khan's proposed car ban for Oxford Street has been met with heavy criticism from experts who warned the move would increase congestion.
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport has slammed the proposed pedestrianisation of Oxford Street, which represents one of the most significant changes to London's transport and public realm in a generation.
Sadiq Khan's proposed car ban for Oxford Street has been met with heavy criticism from thousands of drivers who warned the move would increase congestion "rather than reduce it".
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport has slammed the proposed pedestrianisation of Oxford Street, which represents one of the most significant changes to London's transport and public realm in a generation.
Justice Secretary unveils new 'super-max' prisons to tackle violent inmates
The Government have said it will introduce new "super-max" prisons to deal with the most violent prisoners.
Justice Secretary David Lammy told MPs that a review by Jonathan Hall KC into an attack by Manchester Arena bomb plotter on three prison guards at HMP Frankland in 2025 showed improvements were needed.
Separation centres, special units inside prisons to house Islamic extremists are necessary to protect prisoners, staff and the public, Mr Lammy said.
He added that the Government had accepted all 13 recommendations made by Mr Hall in the review.
Giving a statement to the Commons, he said: "Mr Hall identifies a clear need to transform the way that separation centres are governed and operated.
"That is why we will explore all available options to overhaul the system, including at the next spending review, the creation of new tougher supermax-style units for the most violent, disruptive prisoners.
"This will be a tiered system, with movement between tiers only permitted following rigorous new risk assessments. We will begin designing this system immediately."
WATCH: Christopher Hope breaks down latest on Lord Mandelson from Downing Street
Labour backbencher demands David Lammy 'gets a grip' of the courts
A Labour backbencher has urged David Lammy to "get a grip" of the courts in a scathing attack.
The Justice Secretary has faced fierce criticism for his court reforms, that would see crimes typically with a sentence under three years, other than violent, sexual or terror-related crimes, not put before a jury.
Labour’s Karl Turner, a former barrister, furiously told MPs: "As the Deputy Prime Minister speaks, 56 of the 516 crown courtrooms are not sitting.
"That’s because he and his department caps the sitting days for those courts.
"It is, in my view, a dereliction of duty to be planning to do away with some jury trials when courts are not sitting.
"The Institute for Government have said that Sir Brian (Leveson)’s 20 per cent is more like 2 per cent. What on earth is this Government doing? Why don’t we get a grip of what’s really happening in the system?"
US Congress namechecks Keir Starmer as it blasts Britain for 'copycat censorship laws' threatening free speech
The US Congress has name-checked Sir Keir Starmer as it delivered a stinging verdict on Britain’s “copycat censorship laws”, warning of a “direct threat” to free speech.
In a report published today, the US Committee on the Judiciary said the European Commission is heading up a global push to impose “strict digital censorship laws” — with the UK’s Online Safety Act singled out as the most prominent attempt to replicate Brussels’ approach.
The Online Safety Act aims to protect children and adults online and as of last year, includes the use of age checks on platforms, including X, Reddit and TikTok.
The report reads: “In many ways, the [European] Commission is leading a global effort for strict digital censorship laws.
Kate Nash calls MPs for 'cultural exchange' with EU
Musician Kate Nash has called on MPs for a "cultural exchange" when giving evidence to MPs on how post-Brexit rules are affecting performing arts touring and working in the EU.
"We are at risk of losing our reputation and pride in our culture, which will have a knock-on effect on the UK economy," the musician said.
"The more we limit artists, the more we limit UK culture on a global scale."
She added: "I see music as a source of joy and I like to spread joy around the world and I think there is validity in that."
Top Tory demands Labour 'transparency' on Peter Mandelson over Jeffrey Epstein leaks
Alex Burghart has accused Lord Peter Mandelson of "abusing his position" amid the release of more damning Jeffrey Epstein files.
Speaking to GB News, the Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster hit out at the Government for appointing the veteran politican, demanding “transparency” on the matter.
Lord Mandelson has been reported to the police over allegations he leaked Downing Street files to the late convicted paedophile.
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed it will review "a number of reports" following the further release of the documents relating to the paedophile financier.
'Rachel Thieves' beer tap installed by pub landlord in protest over tax hikes: 'Prices may go up at any point!'
A Hertfordshire pub landlord has installed a fake beer tap behind his bar to protest what he described as damaging tax policies introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, which he believes are hitting the hospitality industry.
Chris Ghazarian, who runs The Green Dragon in the village of Flaunden in Hertfordshire, created the spoof pump labelled “Rachel Thieves” as a visual statement highlighting rising costs faced by pubs.
The 36‑year‑old said the fictional drink was intended to reflect the impact of tax increases on businesses across the sector.
He told customers if the pint existed it would be very bitter, not very pleasant, and the most expensive drink available in the pub.
'The case for a public inquiry is now overwhelming,' says Lib Dem Leader after Lord Mandelson email leaks
Ed Davey has called for a public inquiry after accusations Peter Mandelson leaked sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein.
The latest release of three million documents of the Epstein files appeared to show emails between Lord Mandelson and the convicted sex offender, in which the Labour peer seemingly leaks secret government conversations.
The scandal led to Sir Keir Starmer calling for Lord Mandelson to lose his peerage and his position in the House of Lords - something the Prime Minster does not have the power to do.
"The Prime Minister has asked for this to be urgently looked at and the Prime Minister believes that Peter Mandelson should not be a member of the House of Lords," a No10 official spokesman said yesterday.
"However, the Prime Minister does not have the power to remove [his peerage]."
Now, Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed, has backed the PM's calls for a public inquiry.
He told the BBC: "I certainly support a police investigation. It looks like crime has been committed, misconduct in public office, which is very serious, it impacts everyone’s lives if someone at the very top of government is betraying our country.
"So, [it’s] very serious. Definitely a police investigation. Clearly, Lord Mandelson should be stripped of his peerage, but I think we need to think even more deeply about this. I think the case for a public inquiry into national security, and indeed the British victims of Jeffrey Epstein, has now become a requirement.
"This is so serious in the impact it has on how we govern ourselves, as well as, of course, the victims, that I think the case for a public inquiry is now overwhelming."
WATCH: Alex Burghart apologises to Rhiannon Whyte's mother for having no contact from politicians
Nigel Farage unveils plan to slash pint prices in bid to save Britain's pubs
Nigel Farage is to unveil a £3billion tax relief package designed to rescue Britain's struggling pub industry.
The Reform UK leader's five-point plan, set to be announced on Tuesday, proposes slashing beer duty by ten per cent from its current rate of 49p.
Should publicans pass these savings on to their customers, patrons could see around 5p knocked off the cost of their pint.
The ambitious rescue scheme would begin at £2.29billion in its inaugural year, before rising to £2.9billion by year four.
On the agenda today
Good morning, and welcome to the GB News live politics blog for today, Tuesday, February 3. Here's a quick run-down of what we can expect to be seeing during the day.
9.30am - Keir Starmer assembles his cabinet, and will be undoubtedly looking to focus on the cost-of-living crisis, as has been the focus of cabinet meetings so far this year.
2.00pm - Nigel Farage expected to hold a press conference for Reform. Mr Farage will be joined by Lee Anderson, and they are expected to unveil a five-point plan to "save Britain’s pubs," including a flurry of tax cuts.
2.30pm - In the House of Lords, introductions from Lib Dem peer Sarah Teather and non-affiliated peer Russell Hobby will be followed by questions on the the two-child benefit cap and the decision not to allow Shamima Begum to return to the UK.
Expect a lot of focus on Lord Mandelson, after Sir Keir set out his stall on the scandal yesterday. Opposition parties could push for quicker action to get him out of the House of Lords
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