The Cabinet Office has refused to release a key document linked to Peter Mandelson’s security vetting, after Scotland Yard warned its publication could harm ongoing criminal proceedings.
The nine-page summary, compiled by the UK Security Vetting Agency, was due to be included in a forthcoming batch of files relating to the disgraced peer.
Government officials confirmed they were withholding the document following advice from the Metropolitan Police that releasing it could jeopardise any future prosecution of Mandelson.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said the force is actively investigating alleged misconduct in public office and stressed that due process must be followed carefully.
“An investigation into alleged misconduct in public office is under way and it is vital due process is followed so that our criminal investigation and any potential prosecution is not compromised,” the spokesperson said.
The force confirmed it is working directly with the Cabinet Office to review relevant documents that have been provided to them.
“While complying with the Humble Address is a matter for government and parliament, we have asked the Cabinet Office not to make some documents public as they would have a detrimental impact on our investigation or any subsequent prosecution,” the spokesperson added.
The nine-page summary had been pulled together ahead of Mandelson’s appointment as British ambassador to the United States before his removal from that role.
Earlier this month, the Cabinet Office said the intelligence and security committee had mutually agreed to redact portions of the summary so it could be published within the Mandelson files.
Mandelson was arrested in February and remains under active investigation after leaked emails suggested he shared sensitive government secrets with Jeffrey Epstein during his time serving under Gordon Brown’s government.
In April, senior Foreign Office civil servant Sir Olly Robbins was ousted after it emerged that Mandelson had been denied clearance through a confidential security vetting process.
The situation follows Mandelson demanding in March a payout of £547,201 for the remainder of his time as UK ambassador to the United States, according to official documents, after being sacked from the role.