‘Beleaguered and bereft’: Mandelson’s private messages reveal sharp criticism of Starmer, Downing Street and Labour MPs
Messages released by the UK government show that Lord Mandelson privately criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Downing Street and Labour MPs.
The documents, running to around 1,500 pages, include exchanges between Lord Mandelson and senior ministers linked to his appointment as the UK’s ambassador to the United States. He was later removed from the role due to his links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In one message, Lord Mandelson described Downing Street as “beleaguered and bereft” and said it needed a “complete revamp”, the BBC reported.
Concerns over leadership and authority
The messages suggest doubts within government ranks about ongoing police investigation into Lord Mandelson. He denies any wrongdoing.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the messages showed Labour figures speaking differently in private and public.
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A spokesperson for McFadden said his focus has been on improving opportunities, especially for young people, rather than entitlement.
The BBC reported that the publication is one of the largest of its kind by the government, costing more than £1 million.
Lord Mandelson was appointed ambassador to the US in December 2024. Before that, he had sought support from ministers for other roles, including chancellor of Oxford University.
Some ministers’ messages were not fully available. Nick Thomas-Symonds said his phone had been stolen and he shared what he could recall, an ally told the BBC.
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The release of the messages has renewed scrutiny of the decision to appoint Lord Mandelson and its political impact.
