Keir Starmer dealing with one other main backlash as Mandelson information launched
A huge tranche of documents on Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador have been released amid claims he allegedly misled Sir Keir Starmer over his links to Jeffrey Epstein
The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson continues to haunt Keir Starmer(Image: Carl Court/PA Wire)
The Prime Minister is facing a fresh wave of scrutiny following the release of thousands of emails, WhatsApp messages and documents related to Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the US. The massive 1,504-page dump across three volumes comes after Sir Keir Starmer gave in to demands from MPs to make public documents relating to Lord Mandelson’s appointment in 2024.
The appointment has been mired in controversy following serious questions about the vetting process and the extent of knowledge regarding his ties to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
While Sir Keir has apologised repeatedly to Epstein’s victims over the saga, alleging that the New Labour architect had lied to him, the scandal has consumed his government in recent months, igniting outrage among backbench MPs and raising questions about the Prime Minister’s judgement.
Initial reports indicate that the documents will not contain any records that would alleviate severe security concerns or address the red flags raised regarding his appointment.
Neither is there said to be any information on the measures the government took to address concerns about Mandelson’s connections with senior officials from foreign countries.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Mirror reports that documents have revealed that Mandelson refused to hand over information held on his personal phone to the Cabinet Office following a request in March.
The official files state: “On 31 March the [Cabinet Office] wrote to Peter Mandelson – via his solicitors – to request any information held on his personal phone. Peter Mandelson declined to comply with this request. The government has no further recourse to search the personal devices of Peter Mandelson.”
The extensive collection of documents contains numerous private exchanges between Mandelson and high-ranking ministers that could prove embarrassing.
Among them is a handwritten note to David Lammy dated to November 18, 2024, where Mandelson tells the Justice Secretary the government would “never regret” appointing him as ambassador to the US.
Mandelson wrote: “I just wanted you to know that if you were minded to appoint me, I would make sure you never regret it.”
He added: “I fear that navigating Britain’s interests through the Trump administration will require super-human skills and luck and a massive team effort.”
Mandelson also said: “For me, it would be the last thing I do in public life and it would be a huge honour to serve you and the government in this role.”
However, in stark contrast to his diplomatic lobbying, an email from Mandelson to Lord Vallance, the science minister, dated July 2024, provides detailed criticism of the Prime Minister and his team.
Describing himself as “an afficionado of the Cabinet Office”, Mandelson wrote: “Labour has, let’s say, two terms to succeed. So far Keir’s team has not prioritised policy (not surprising given how much else had to be re-built after Corbyn).
“And the No 10 policy team is not large or experienced. Pat at the Cabinet Office will have the right instincts but I am an afficionado of the Cabinet Office (I started there as Minister without Portfolio and ended there as First Secretary of State) and it is a light touch co-ordinator not a power house.”
Commenting on the massive disclosure, a government spokesperson said: “We are committed to complying with the humble address in full. The second tranche of documents will be among the largest publications ever laid in parliament.
“That reflects the transparent and thorough process we have followed, in line with established precedent for humble addresses.”
