Guardian Columnist Comments on Mandelson Files and Red Box Lead Time
A Guardian column published June 2, 2026, by Marina Hyde discusses the latest so-called Mandelson files. Hyde highlights two moments from the files: a quote from Labour’s Pat McFadden and an email exchange regarding Donald Trump. The email, from a section about Trump wanting a replica ministerial red box during a state visit last year, states “the manufacturer gave a lead time of 8-10 weeks.” Hyde uses that detail to criticize the pace of government procurement. She also writes that almost two years into Keir Starmer’s government, she cannot think of a single thing his administration has done that increased economic growth. The column names Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting as two Labour contenders to lead the party.
What’s reported
Pat McFadden is quoted in the files saying: “Every meeting I have is: ‘Who can we tax in order to pay benefits to others?’”
An email about Donald Trump requesting a replica ministerial red box during a state visit last year reported a manufacturer lead time of 8-10 weeks.
The red box manufacturer’s website states: “The company’s history is interwoven with the history of the United Kingdom.”
Marina Hyde writes that almost two years into Keir Starmer’s government, she cannot identify any policy that had the effect of increasing growth.
Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting are named as Labour contenders.
Key figures
Keir Starmer, Peter Mandelson, Pat McFadden, Donald Trump, Andy Burnham, Wes Streeting, Marina Hyde (author)
Sources: The Guardian
