Lord Mandelson says his arrest stemmed from a “fictional” claim he was a flight risk, denying he would evade inquiries linked to Jeffrey Epstein. He is challenging the police decision and bail conditions, arguing there was no basis for suspecting he intended to abscond.

Police arrested Lord Mandelson in London on suspicion of misconduct in public office amid an inquiry into whether sensitive government information was shared with a disgraced financier. His home was searched and he was questioned. He denies wrongdoing. No charges have been filed.

Met investigators probing alleged trafficking linked to Jeffrey Epstein face a setback after evidence of his UK flights, including records at RAF bases such as Northolt, was destroyed. Gaps in passenger manifests and flight logs may hinder efforts to map movements and contacts.

The PM is ready to legislate to remove Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor from the line of succession, with the Palace signalling no objection. The step follows his 2019 withdrawal from duties amid allegations linked to a US civil case.