Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has emerged as the driving force behind investigations into the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, personally reviewing documents and submitting evidence to police that led to high-profile arrests. Brown’s relentless pursuit of the Epstein documents has drawn comparisons to a detective drama character, according to sources familiar with his efforts. His involvement in the Epstein investigation intensified after emails surfaced last September suggesting connections between the disgraced financier and senior British political figures.
The former prime minister’s campaign gained momentum when he published a comment piece in the Guardian on February 6, expressing his revulsion at what had been uncovered about Epstein’s impact on British politics. Days later, Peter Mandelson, who served as de facto deputy prime minister in Brown’s government, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Mandelson denies any wrongdoing related to allegations he leaked market-sensitive documents to Epstein during the financial crisis.
Investigation Expands Following Brown’s Evidence
Before publishing his Guardian article, Brown sought reassurance from friends that his strong language was appropriate. He had written that any leaking of sensitive documents to the sex offender would constitute “a betrayal of everything we stand for as a country.” Those consulted confirmed he was right to use such forceful terms.
Brown’s investigation deepened after his initial article. In a New Statesman piece published six days later, he revealed findings from his examination of the Epstein files that “shocked me to the core.” According to Brown, British girls were on ninety Epstein flights organized from UK airports, and the financier allegedly used Stansted airport to transport young women from Latvia, Lithuania and Russia.
Police Receive Detailed Memorandum
The former prime minister submitted a five-page memorandum of evidence to six police forces covering airports used by Epstein. On February 19, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, though he also denies wrongdoing. Brown had previously stated in his view that police should speak to the former prince about what he might know.
Additionally, Brown has been assisted in reviewing Epstein documents by Clare Rewcastle, an investigative journalist married to his brother Andrew. Rewcastle, whose past work includes exposing corruption at Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund, confirmed she has been conducting background work as people turn to Brown with information about the Epstein scandal.
Personal Motivations Behind Brown’s Epstein Crusade
Those close to Brown suggest his motivation stems partly from genuine outrage at Britain’s apparent role in enabling exploitation. However, some Labour insiders believe guilt may also drive him, given that Brown brought Mandelson back into government in 2009 despite warnings it was “a very significant risk and not worth taking.”
Meanwhile, Mandelson’s appointment as first secretary of state came after plans to make him deputy prime minister fell through due to opposition from senior figures. Brown had consulted European Commission President José Manuel Barroso before executing the move, according to sources, seeking any reason not to proceed with the appointment.
Brown’s Post-Prime Ministerial Activism
In contrast to his time in office, when Brown would erupt at critical advice, he now provides constant counsel to government, sometimes to mild irritation. His post-prime ministerial causes have included seeking fresh investigations into phone hacking allegations and advocating for reversing the two-child benefits cap.
Labour MPs reportedly responded to the Epstein revelations with anger, while peers felt grief at the perceived betrayal. One party insider described Brown as “profoundly, almost to the point of annoyingly, moral,” noting a chief whip once said he had never met anyone less interested in money.
Brown is understood to be allowing police investigations to proceed while focusing on other projects, including a book on global politics scheduled for September and promoting new VAT relief for charitable donations. The ongoing police investigations will determine whether charges follow the arrests, though authorities have not confirmed timelines for completing their inquiries.
