Former Labour politician Lord Mandelson arrested days after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Lord Peter Mandelson has officially been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The former Labour minister, who was sacked from his position of US ambassador by Keir Starmer last year, has been accused of passing on information to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein when he was business secretary under Gordon Brown, with two of his properties searched by police.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

“He was arrested at an address in Camden on Monday, February 23 and has been taken to a London police station for interview.

“This follows search warrants at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden areas.”

Mandelson pictured leaving his house as he was arrested this afternoon (JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP via Getty Images)

Mandelson was pictured being taken from his home in London by plain clothes police officers on Monday 23 February, before being guided into the back of a car.

Scotland Yard have been investigating allegations that Mandelson passed sensitive government and market information to Epstein during his time as business secretary. The claims became public during the most recent release of the Epstein Files, where Mandelson's emails to Epstein are a regular feature.

His arrest comes just days after that of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was arrested for the same alleged offence last week after Thames Valley Police conducted a 'thorough assessment' of the claims made against him.

The former prince has been accused of leaking confidential information to Epstein while he was working as Britain's trade envoy.

Mountbatten-Windsor was later released under investigation.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested for the same offence last week (MEGA/GC Images)

When his arrest was first confirmed, Thames Valley Police said: "As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk."

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright added: "Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.

"It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.

"We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time."

Mandelson, who played a significant part in Tony Blair's rise to power in 1997, also recently stepped down from the House of Lords after the release of Epstein-related documents in the US raised new questions about his dealing with the disgraced sex offender.

Mandelson has denied wrongdoing.