Published files reveal Peter Mandelson called Starmer's operation 'beleaguered'

Release of Mandelson Files

Hundreds of pages of documents relating to Peter Mandelson's appointment as the UK ambassador to the United States have been made public. The files contain unfiltered remarks from Mandelson to cabinet officials and have been released following demands by lawmakers.

In the published exchanges, Lord Mandelson described Prime Minister Keir Starmer's No 10 operation as "beleaguered and bereft". Mandelson wrote that the operation "requires complete revamp and infusion of purpose and confidence to get anywhere".

Security Vetting and Reputational Risks

The documents detail the circumstances surrounding Mandelson's appointment, revealing that he was approved for the role despite failing security checks. Files show that warnings were issued regarding Mandelson's ties to Jeffrey Epstein, which were described as posing a serious "reputational risk" to the government.

According to a timeline of events, the first batch of files released on March 11, 2026, showed that Starmer had been warned of these reputational risks prior to the appointment. However, on April 16, 2026, No 10 confirmed that Mandelson had failed the vetting process and claimed that Starmer had not been made aware of this failure. This led to the sacking of the former head of the Foreign Office, Olly Robbins.

Prime Minister Starmer told MPs on April 20, 2026, that he would not have proceeded with the appointment had he known Mandelson had failed the vetting process. Additionally, McSweeney stated on April 28, 2026, that he had made "a serious mistake" in recommending Mandelson for the position.

Internal Government Friction

The files also highlight blunt internal assessments of government policy. In messages to Mandelson, McFadden described conversations with other Labour politicians regarding public spending and the welfare system. McFadden wrote, "Every meeting I have is 'who can we tax in order to pay benefits to others'," adding that they were "asking the wrong questions". Allies of McFadden have noted that this message was sent before he assumed charge of the UK's benefit system.

Other documents include a note from Mandelson to then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy sent before his appointment. In the note, Mandelson pledged that the government would "never regret" the decision to give him the job, while observing that navigating British interests through the Trump administration would require "super-human skills and luck".

Political Fallout

Mandelson was fired from the ambassadorship after nine months. The fallout from the appointment, combined with losses in local elections, has contributed to a decline in Starmer's polling numbers.

These developments have coincided with internal party pressure. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned earlier this month in protest of Starmer's leadership and has confirmed he would stand in any leadership contest. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has also criticized the government, stating that Labour has "no coherent plan" for the country.

In response to criticisms regarding policy, Sir Keir told broadcasters that while he agrees with the need for discussion about ideas, he maintains that the government's policy choices were the correct ones given the situation inherited in 2024. He cited recent figures showing the UK economy grew more than expected at the start of the year as vindication for these choices.