Mandelson files reveal internal Labour criticism and doubts
9 reported3 unconfirmed
A newly published set of documents, totaling more than 1,000 pages, has revealed extensive internal criticism and doubts within the Labour government, according to a single-source report from The Guardian. The files relate to the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington and were originally demanded by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch to investigate security concerns, including Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein. However, the documents primarily contain candid assessments from senior government figures about each other and Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership. Mandelson himself wrote that Starmer “lacks verve” and described No 10 as “beleaguered and bereft.” Other officials, including Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden and pensions minister Torsten Bell, also expressed critical views about the government’s direction and internal processes. The documents provide limited information about the security vetting process for Mandelson’s appointment, and one document detailing concerns about his contacts in Israel, Russia, and China has been withheld due to a live police investigation.
What’s reported
Peter Mandelson wrote to Foreign Secretary David Lammy on 18 November 2024, promising he would not regret appointing him as ambassador to Washington.
More than 1,000 pages of documents relating to Mandelson’s appointment were published on Monday.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch originally demanded the documents to investigate Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein and other security concerns.
Mandelson wrote that “Keir is not leading from the front” and that “Keir lacks verve as does the cabinet as a whole.”
Mandelson described No 10 as “beleaguered and bereft” on a later occasion.
Pat McFadden said about Labour MPs: “Every meeting I have is: ‘Who can we tax in order to pay benefits to others?’ They’re asking the wrong questions.”
Torsten Bell said: “Everyone [in government] seems to think it’s someone else’s job to get the policy right … which is very odd.”
A document detailing concerns with Mandelson’s contacts in Israel, Russia, and China has been withheld after the Metropolitan police advised it was part of a live investigation.
Jeffrey Epstein’s name is “almost never referred to” in the documents before Mandelson’s sacking.
Open questions
What specific security concerns led vetting officials to initially recommend denying Mandelson clearance.
Whether Mandelson agreed to take steps to mitigate security concerns over his contacts with overseas governments.
The full details of Mandelson’s contacts in Israel, Russia, and China, as the relevant document has been withheld.
Key figures
Peter Mandelson, former ambassador to Washington
David Lammy, foreign secretary
Keir Starmer, prime minister
Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader
Morgan McSweeney, chief of staff to Starmer
Pat McFadden, Cabinet Office minister
Wes Streeting, cabinet member
Ed Miliband, energy secretary
Rachel Reeves, cabinet member
Torsten Bell, pensions minister
Tony Blair, former prime minister
Sources: The Guardian
