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The UK government has released a second batch of documents relating to the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States, a move that has intensified political pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The trove includes more than 1,000 pages of emails, text messages, and other communications between Mandelson and senior government figures, according to ABC Australia and The Hindu.

The documents were published on the government's website just after 2 p.m. local time on Monday, The Hindu reported. The release follows a parliamentary motion that compelled the government to disclose communications related to Mandelson's appointment, a post he held from February to September 2025.

Coverage Comparison

The scale of the release has been described as one of the largest-ever parliamentary publications, The Hindu reported. Both ABC Australia and The Hindu highlighted that the scandal has weakened Starmer's position, with The Hindu stating his premiership is "faltering" and ABC Australia reporting he is "fighting for his job." The Guardian, meanwhile, focused on the content of Mandelson's private messages, which reveal sharp criticism of the prime minister's leadership.

ABC Australia reported that the police have asked for some documents to be withheld because they form part of a criminal investigation into Mandelson for alleged misconduct in public office. The Hindu also noted the ongoing police investigation.

The Guardian reported that Mandelson was sacked from the role in the autumn after new disclosures about his friendship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Both ABC Australia and The Hindu carried the same account of his dismissal.

The Hindu noted that an earlier tranche of documents in March showed official vetting had warned of "reputational risks" over Mandelson's ties to Epstein, a detail also referenced in The Guardian's report.

Key Claims

  • Mandelson's WhatsApp criticism: According to The Guardian, Mandelson exchanged WhatsApp messages with Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden in which he criticised Starmer's lack of "verve" and tendency to buckle under pressure. Mandelson suggested the prime minister should behave in a more "Trumpian" fashion and said Number 10 was "beleaguered and bereft," adding that the public were "crying out for leadership." The messages also showed Mandelson accusing former Prime Minister Gordon Brown of trying to undermine Starmer to the advantage of then-Deputy PM Angela Rayner, and describing former Health Secretary Wes Streeting as "hysterical" over Gaza and having a "mid-life crisis."
  • Darren Jones's commiserations: The Guardian reported that Darren Jones, a close ally of Starmer, sent commiserations to Mandelson after his sacking. Jones, then Chief Secretary to the Treasury, wrote, "You've been doing such a great job, and you worked wonders with Trump. I'm so sorry about today." Jones also requested advice on a reshuffle and made critical comments about then-Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and the influence of trade unions. These messages were not included in the release.
  • Mandelson's note to Foreign Secretary: ABC Australia reported that among the documents was a note from Mandelson to then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy before his appointment, saying the government would "never regret" giving him the job.
  • Political fallout: The scandal has already led to the departure of Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who quit in February, and communications director Tim Allan, according to The Hindu. The release has prompted calls for Starmer's resignation, ABC Australia reported.
  • Police investigation: ABC Australia and The Hindu both reported that police have an ongoing investigation into Mandelson for alleged misconduct in public office, though no charges have been mentioned.
  • Mandelson's denial: The Guardian reported that Mandelson declined to hand over his own messages, but a claim that Mandelson denied any wrongdoing in relation to his Epstein friendship was carried by a single outlet and not corroborated elsewhere in the material provided.

Perspectives

Keir Starmer's government: The government released the documents as required by a parliamentary motion. The scale of publication was described as one of the largest ever, suggesting an effort at transparency. However, the government has not commented on the content, and the release has further weakened Starmer's position, with allies like McSweeney having already resigned.

Peter Mandelson: Mandelson was sacked as ambassador last September and has reportedly declined to hand over his own messages. No direct comment from him on the latest release has been reported in the material provided.