The PM who turned PI: why is Gordon Brown delving so deep into the Epstein files?

"The former prime minister had written that he found it hard to find words to express my revulsion at what has been uncovered about Epstein and his impact on our politics and the time is overdue to let in the light. On Peter Mandelson's alleged leaking of market-sensitive documents to the disgraced financier and sex offender during the financial crisis, Brown was particularly vexed."

"Brown's dogged pursuit of the documents relating to the Epstein scandal, before and after the Guardian article, has drawn comparisons with that of the hangdog Scottish detective Jim Taggart of the eponymous crime series. When the first Epstein emails emerged last September, suggesting an unknown level of closeness between Mandelson and Epstein, Brown wrote to the then cabinet secretary, Chris Wormald."

"In a piece published by the New Statesman six days after his Guardian article, Brown turned his clunking fist on the alleged predators and enablers. In the past week, I have delved deep into the Epstein files, he wrote. What I discovered about the abuse of women by male predators and their enablers and Britain's as yet unacknowledged role has shocked me to the core."

Gordon Brown sought advice from friends before publishing a Guardian comment piece expressing revulsion at the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and its impact on British politics. He was particularly concerned about Peter Mandelson's alleged leaking of market-sensitive documents to Epstein during the financial crisis, calling it a betrayal of national values. Mandelson, who served as de facto deputy prime minister, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and denies wrongdoing. Brown persistently pursued related documents, writing to the cabinet secretary and later publishing a New Statesman piece detailing his investigation into Epstein's abuse network and Britain's unacknowledged role.

Read at www.theguardian.com