UPDATE: The Speaker of the House of Lords, Lord Forsyth of Drumlean, is set to meet with the Metropolitan Police on Thursday following a serious misidentification in the case surrounding Lord Peter Mandelson. Reports mistakenly claimed Lord Forsyth provided information that led to Lord Mandelson’s arrest on Monday for alleged misconduct in public office.
This urgent meeting comes after Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle revealed he was the actual source of the information, contradicting earlier media reports linking Lord Forsyth to the case. Lord Mandelson, a former ambassador to Washington, was arrested amid accusations of sharing sensitive details with convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein. He has since been released on bail until May.
In a statement, Sir Lindsay clarified that he acted in good faith, sharing critical information with the police while visiting the British Virgin Islands from February 16 to 20. “I passed information to the Metropolitan Police in good faith, as is my duty and responsibility,” he stated in the Commons on Wednesday.
The Metropolitan Police has issued an apology to Sir Lindsay for the inadvertent error that led to the misidentification of Lord Forsyth as the source. According to a source within the House of Lords, Lord Forsyth is seeking answers about why he was not contacted regarding the misinformation and why no correction or apology has been issued by those responsible.
The urgency of this meeting underscores the potential ramifications of the police’s actions and the impact on reputations involved. As the situation develops, the public and media await clarity on the circumstances surrounding this high-profile case.
What happens next remains critical as the Metropolitan Police continues to face scrutiny over its handling of this investigation and the accuracy of its communications. Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
