As the drip-feed release of the Epstein files continues, it is intriguing that there is so much ‘collateral damage’ but little insight as to what offences may have been committed.
Documents released last week included communications between Epstein and Lord Peter Mandelson, with the former suggesting in one email that Mandelson was happy to receive the benefits of their relationship but was not offering much in return. However, the news also reported that Mandelson, while holding senior ministerial office, may have provided Epstein with documentation in relation to policy discussions and market-relevant information, prompting cries of misconduct in public office and predictions of criminal culpability and long jail sentences.
Misconduct in public office
The offence of misconduct in public office is not designed to criminalise politicians’ administrative failings, political misjudgements or breaches of ethical codes. That is just as well, some might say, otherwise the business of government might have to be conducted from Strangeways. The offence is intended to address conduct that represents a grave departure from
