Mandelson’s lawyers say his arrest followed ‘baseless suggestion’ he planned to leave UK

Lawyers for Peter Mandelson said he was arrested at his London home on Monday because police considered him a potential flight risk, a claim they insist is “baseless”.

The former UK ambassador to the US and Labour minister was detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office and questioned for nine hours before being released on bail until the end of May. The Metropolitan Police declined to comment on the reasons for the arrest.

Mandelson’s legal representatives said there had been an agreement for him to attend a voluntary interview next month and denied suggestions he planned to leave the country. “There is absolutely no truth whatsoever” to claims he intended to move abroad, they said, adding he intends to fully cooperate with the investigation.

The probe relates to allegations that, while serving as a minister, Mandelson passed market-sensitive government information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, claims he denies. Search warrants were executed at two addresses prior to his arrest.

Mandelson maintains he has not acted criminally and was not motivated by financial gain.

via BBC