By Peter Omopo
The Speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, has confirmed that he passed information to the Metropolitan Police suggesting that Peter Mandelson could be a flight risk, stating that he acted in good faith.
Sir Lindsay told Members of Parliament that he considered it his duty and responsibility to share what he described as relevant information with the police. He expressed regret that the matter quickly became public through media reports but did not disclose specific details of the information provided.
The development follows complaints by Lord Mandelson’s lawyers over the police decision to arrest him on Monday as part of an investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office. His legal representatives said he had already agreed to attend a voluntary interview next month and described the suggestion that he intended to move abroad as baseless.
It is understood that Sir Lindsay passed on information he received during a visit to the British Virgin Islands last week indicating that Lord Mandelson was planning to travel there.
The BBC reported that Lord Mandelson’s lawyers were initially informed by police that the referral had come from Michael Forsyth, Speaker of the House of Lords. Lord Forsyth has denied any involvement, describing the claims as entirely false and without foundation.
Lord Mandelson’s law firm, Mishcon de Reya, has written to the Metropolitan Police requesting clarification on the information and evidence that led to his arrest. The police have declined to comment but are understood to have conducted their own assessment of the credibility of the information before proceeding with the arrest.
The former Labour minister was arrested at his London home and taken to Wandsworth police station for questioning. He was later released on bail pending further investigation and is reported to have surrendered his passport as part of his bail conditions.
The investigation was launched earlier this month over allegations that, while serving as a minister, Lord Mandelson passed market-sensitive government information to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Sources indicate that Lord Mandelson denies any criminal wrongdoing and maintains that he was not motivated by financial gain. His lawyers said he intends to cooperate fully with the police in order to clear his name.
Lord Mandelson was appointed British ambassador to the United States in February 2025 but was dismissed in September after Downing Street said new information had emerged regarding the depth of his relationship with Epstein. The allegations gained renewed attention following the release of documents last month by the US Department of Justice, including emails exchanged between Mandelson and Epstein.
