• UK police search two properties linked to Peter Mandelson amid Epstein ties investigation.
• Mandelson is investigated for potential misconduct in public office related to leaked information.
• Prime Minister Keir Starmer apologizes for appointing Mandelson as ambassador to the US.
• Political fallout from the investigation impacts Starmer's popularity and leadership.

British police are conducting searches at two properties linked to Peter Mandelson as part of their investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office related to his ties with the late Jeffrey Epstein. The investigations are ongoing, with searches carried out in Wiltshire and Camden, London, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

The Metropolitan Police initiated their investigation following reports suggesting Mandelson, while serving as business secretary in the UK government, passed sensitive government information to Epstein. This included documents regarding market-sensitive financial plans and potentially compromising details about UK asset sales in the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis, according to BBC and Los Angeles Times.

Mandelson, 72, is yet to be arrested or charged; however, accusations allege he leaked sensitive information that could have influenced financial markets. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed regret for having appointed Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the US, acknowledging that he believed Mandelson's misinterpretation of events, according to Los Angeles Times and Reuters.

The political impact of Mandelson’s connections to Epstein has led to increased scrutiny of Starmer's government. Political opponents within the Labour Party have called for accountability and questioned Starmer's judgment amid plummeting approval ratings, particularly after the recent revelations from the U.S. Department of Justice disclosed the extent of Mandelson’s interactions with Epstein, according to BBC and Al Jazeera.