Mandelson files show Labour government infighting and doubts
Over 1,000 pages of documents related to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to Washington were published on Monday, revealing widespread internal criticisms within the Labour government. The files, demanded by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, were intended to uncover what ministers knew about Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein and other security concerns. Instead, the documents primarily exposed personal assessments and infighting among senior government figures. Mandelson himself criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney, and several cabinet colleagues in private messages. Other officials, including Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden and Pensions Minister Torsten Bell, also made critical remarks about the government’s direction. The documents provided little new information on Mandelson’s vetting process, and no agreement was found for him to mitigate security concerns over his overseas contacts. The Guardian reported that details of concerns about Mandelson’s contacts in Israel, Russia, and China have been withheld at the advice of the Metropolitan police due to a live investigation.
What’s reported
Peter Mandelson wrote to David Lammy on 18 November 2024, promising Lammy would not regret appointing him ambassador to Washington.
Senior figures including Lammy and Starmer have since regretted the appointment.
Over 1,000 pages of documents were published on Monday (June 1, 2026).
Mandelson described No 10 as “beleaguered and bereft” and said Starmer “lacks verve.”
Pat McFadden said Labour MPs ask “who can we tax in order to pay benefits to others?”
Torsten Bell stated that “everyone seems to think it’s someone else’s job to get the policy right.”
Officials debated how to procure a ministerial red box as a gift for President Donald Trump.
The documents do not include any agreement that Mandelson would address security concerns over his foreign contacts.
Jeffrey Epstein’s name was rarely mentioned in the documents before Mandelson’s sacking.
Details of concerns about Mandelson’s contacts in Israel, Russia, and China have been withheld due to a live police investigation.
Open questions
What specific security concerns led vetting officials to initially recommend denying Mandelson clearance?
Why were details of Mandelson’s contacts with Israel, Russia, and China withheld?
What was the nature of the live Metropolitan police investigation?
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)
Pat McFadden (Cabinet Office minister)
Wes Streeting (cabinet member described as “hysterical”)
Ed Miliband (energy secretary)
Rachel Reeves (described as on a “growth mission”)
Torsten Bell (pensions minister)
Tony Blair (former prime minister)
Donald Trump (US president)
Sources: The Guardian
