Northampton’s two Labour MPs have declined to comment on their national party’s handling of Peter Mandelson, following reports he shared sensitive government information with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Northampton’s two Labour MPs have declined to comment after being approached by this newspaper about the ongoing controversy surrounding Peter Mandelson and his past links to notorious paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Lord Mandelson resigned his membership of the Labour Party earlier this month, saying he does not want to “cause further embarrassment” due to his links to the late convicted paedophile.

The former cabinet minister, who was sacked as US ambassador last year because of his past connections to Epstein, appeared in the latest release of files by the US Department of Justice.

Labour MPs Lucy Rigby and Mike Reader did not respond to this newspaper's request for comment on the Peter Mandelson saga. Credit: Getty

placeholder image — Labour MPs Lucy Rigby and Mike Reader did not respond to this newspaper's request for comment on the Peter Mandelson saga. Credit: Getty

The Metropolitan Police has launched a criminal investigation into Lord Mandelson following claims he passed market-sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein. The Cabinet Office referred material to police after reviewing documents which suggest he forwarded internal government information to Epstein when he was Business Secretary in 2009.

In a statement, Commander Ella Marriott says: “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.”

A government spokesperson said: "The government stands ready to provide whatever support and assistance the police need."

Lord Mandelson has said he regrets ever having met Epstein.

This newspaper contacted Northampton South MP Mike Reader and Northampton North MP Lucy Rigby asking for their views on Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein, his appointment as Ambassador to the United States, and what should happen next in terms of Labour leadership and vetting processes. Neither MP has responded.

Northampton South Conservative MP Sarah Bool criticised the Prime Minister, saying: “Keir Starmer knew full well about Peter Mandelson’s continued relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein after he had been convicted of child sex offences and still chose to appoint him as Ambassador to the United States. When Kemi Badenoch forced him to reveal this in the House of Commons, there was shock from across the House. A moment in the Chamber I will never forget.”

The issue has sparked political debate nationally following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to appoint Lord Mandelson to the diplomatic role.

Earlier this month, the Prime Minister faced mounting pressure, with calls for him to stand down emerging from some quarters, including Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar and several Labour MPs.

At a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party in Westminster on February 9, the Prime Minister said: “After having fought so hard for the chance to change our country, I’m not prepared to walk away from my mandate and my responsibility to my country, or to plunge us into chaos as others have done.

“I’ve won every fight I’ve ever been in.”