Leaked messages from the Peter Mandelson US ambassador appointment saga expose deep divisions, personal criticisms, and lack of confidence in Keir Starmer's leadership within the Labour government, with ministers complaining about policy, backbiting, and doubts over the Prime Minister's authority.
The release of over fifteen hundred pages of private messages between ministers, aides, and former Labour minister Peter Mandelson has laid bare the internal fear and loathing within Keir Starmer 's government, exposing a cascade of plotting, backbiting, and profound doubts about the Prime Minister's authority.
The material, covering the disastrous appointment of Mandelson as U.S. ambassador, includes candid admissions from Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden that Starmer's authority was destroyed by a revolt over welfare reforms and that MPs simply want to find people to tax to fund more benefits. The messages also reveal behind-the-scenes tensions between Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, with discussions about bolstering the Downing Street operation to improve economic policy, and depict No10 staff as sub-optimal.
In one explosive exchange, former Health Secretary Wes Streeting sent what Mandelson described as a wild, long, hysterical message criticising Israel during a row over the government recognising Palestine; Mandelson jibed that Streeting was having an early mid-life crisis and lacked maturity. The communications show Gordon Brown is said to have it in for Starmer and to be favouring deputy Angela Rayner.
The handwritten note from Mandelson to then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the end of 2024, stating that Starmer would never regret the appointment, now reads as deeply ironic amid the mounting carnage. Despite the scale of the document dump, some key papers remain withheld at Scotland Yard's request amid an investigation into Mandelson for alleged misconduct in public office, and a million pounds was spent on redactions.
At least one previously reported message from Starmer praising Mandelson seems to be missing. With Starmer keeping a low profile, his right-hand man Darren Jones faced MPs' questions, insisting the government cannot compel disclosure from third parties like Mandelson, who declined to hand over his personal phone. The release follows a massive Labour revolt in February, where MPs backed a humble address to demand the papers after a police probe into Mandelson began, despite vetting concerns.
Andy Burnham warned the revelations further damage confidence in the political system, calling for fundamental culture change to curb the concentration of power in few hands
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