Mandelson-Epstein latest: Starmer under pressure to release vetting documents after police announce criminal probe

It is almost unheard of for a peer to resign in disgrace from the House of Lords.

Kemi Badenoch described the incident as a “national disgrace”, saying Sir Keir Starmer should give evidence to police at the Lord Mandelson inquiry if necessary.

The Conservative Party leader said a criminal investigation was inevitable but “we must not let it distract us from the fact that the Prime Minister’s fingerprints are everywhere”.

He told Sky News: “I think the Prime Minister has a lot of questions to answer, not just for himself but for the chief of staff and everyone at No 10 who is pushing for this appointment.

“I think it’s a national shame. There are a lot of people who should have been given this job or should have been interviewed for this job, but they never had the chance.”

Asked if the police would interview Sir Keir, Ms Badenoch said: “The police will make that call. But if there is evidence to suggest he has something to do with the Prime Minister then of course yes.

“But right now, I think the Prime Minister himself needs to come clean and tell us what he knew, when he knew it, and be honest about how it happened in the first place.”

The Conservative Party plans to introduce a modest speech motion, a secret parliamentary mechanism, to force the government to reveal all information about Sir Keir Starmer’s appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador last year.

A government spokesman said the government stood ready to provide whatever support and assistance police needed in their investigation.

Metropolitan Police Commander Ella Marriott said: “Following the release of millions more court documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein by the United States Department of Justice, the Met has received a number of reports of allegations of misconduct in public office, including a referral from the UK Government.

“I can confirm that the Metropolitan Police are investigating a 72-year-old man, a former government minister, for misconduct in public office.

“The Met will continue to consider all relevant information brought to our attention as part of this investigation and will have no further comment at this time.”

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor moved from his home in Windsor to Sandringham Manor in Norfolk. BBC, Sky News And Sun.

The former prince left Royal Lodge on Monday night and is currently living in a temporary property at Sandringham Manor while his permanent home undergoes renovations.

Buckingham Palace did not comment on the matter when contacted. Independent.