More than 1,000 pages of government documents relating to the appointment and dismissal of former UK ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, have been released, providing a rare look into internal discussions at the highest levels of government. The documents, which include WhatsApp messages, emails, handwritten notes, and official correspondence, were published following a parliamentary vote calling for greater transparency over Mandelson’s controversial appointment. The release has revealed sharp criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his administration from Mandelson himsel

More than 1,000 pages of government documents relating to the appointment and dismissal of former UK ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, have been released, providing a rare look into internal discussions at the highest levels of government. The documents, which include WhatsApp messages, emails, handwritten notes, and official correspondence, were published following a parliamentary vote calling for greater transparency over Mandelson’s controversial appointment. The release has revealed sharp criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his administration from Mandelson himself. In exchanges with senior minister Pat McFadden during 2025, Mandelson described Downing Street as needing a “complete revamp” and suggested that Starmer’s team lacked clear leadership. He reportedly argued that many officials were uncertain about the Prime Minister’s direction and claimed that Starmer often changed course on major policy issues. In another message, Mandelson wrote that Starmer “lacks verve,” adding that the Cabinet needed stronger execution and leadership. The files also reveal that Mandelson declined a government request to provide information stored on his personal phone. Cabinet Office documents state that officials sought access to communications held on the device, but he refused. Supporters of Mandelson have argued that such a request was inappropriate while a police investigation remains ongoing. Among the released documents is a handwritten letter sent to then Foreign Secretary David Lammy in November 2024, in which Mandelson expressed confidence in his suitability for the ambassadorial role, writing that the government would “never regret” appointing him. The documents further show discussions around security clearance requirements and concerns raised by officials regarding the sensitive nature of the ambassadorial position. Mandelson was dismissed as ambassador in September 2025 following renewed scrutiny of his relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He remains under criminal investigation over allegations of misconduct in public office but has consistently denied any wrongdoing and says he is cooperating with authorities. The release is expected to intensify political debate over government decision-making, transparency, and leadership in Westminster.

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