Mandelson files lay bare scathing views on Starmer and pressure for 'Trumpian' politics
More than 1,000 pages of internal messages released on Monday expose former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson's blunt criticisms of Keir Starmer's leadership and his advice to embrace a 'Trumpian' style, adding fuel to the prime minister's leadership crisis.
Background and controversy
A second tranche of government documents relating to the appointment and conduct of Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States was published on Monday, 1 June 2026. The release follows a first batch in March that revealed Mandelson's friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein had exposed the government to 'reputational risk' and that he had failed security checks before his posting. Mandelson was sacked in September 2025 after nine months in the role and remains under police investigation for alleged misconduct in public office.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has already faced calls to resign over the appointment, and his position has been further weakened by local election defeats and a backbench rebellion. The new files come as he fights to stabilise his leadership.
It's right we do that. We have been very clear that the appointment of Mandelson was wrong.
Lobbying for Global Counsel
The documents show that in the months after Labour's 2024 general election victory, Mandelson, then president of advisory firm Global Counsel, vigorously lobbied ministers. He invited Treasury minister Spencer Livermore to lunch, proposed a research event to science minister Patrick Vallance, and introduced a Global Counsel employee to trade minister Douglas Alexander. The exchanges point to Mandelson using his political contacts to benefit his business while simultaneously campaigning to become chancellor of Oxford University.
- Mandelson begins lobbying ministers for his advisory firm Global Counsel
- Mandelson tells David Lammy he would 'never regret' appointing him US ambassador
- Local election defeats and welfare rebellion rock Starmer; Mandelson-McFadden exchanges reveal leadership doubts
- Mandelson sacked from ambassador post over deep ties to Jeffrey Epstein
- First tranche of documents released, showing security-vetting failures
- Second batch of over 1,000 pages published, exposing lobbying and internal criticisms
'Bereft' leadership and 'Trumpian' advice
WhatsApp messages between Mandelson and senior Labour figures—especially Pat McFadden, the work and pensions secretary—reveal his dismay with the prime minister's performance. He described No 10 as 'beleaguered and bereft' and said the government 'doesn't give a sense of crusading'. In a striking assessment, Mandelson argued that Starmer should adopt a more 'Trumpian risk-taking and daredevil way' to connect with a public 'crying out for leadership'.
Keir is not leading from the front and Morgan is not organising the centre as it needs to be.
He also told McFadden that former prime minister Gordon Brown 'has it in for Keir (and Rachel [Reeves]) big time' and was using then-deputy PM Angela Rayner as 'an instrument of destabilisation'.
Political damage and reaction
The release compounds what has been a disastrous episode for Starmer. Conservative MP Alex Burghart warned that any attempts to withhold or redact documents beyond police requests would be viewed as 'contempt of Parliament'. Some files are being kept back because they form part of the criminal inquiry into Mandelson, who voluntarily surrendered his peerage and Labour membership after his sacking.
Health Secretary James Murray emphasised the government's willingness to be transparent, but opposition attacks are likely to intensify as journalists and MPs scrutinise the full contents. The prime minister's own low poll ratings and internal party rumblings mean the Mandelson saga remains a potent liability.
