The UK government has published more than 1,500 pages of documents relating to Peter Mandelson’s controversial appointment as ambassador to the United States on June 1. This latest tranche has intensified scrutiny over how serious security concerns were handled but also uncovered the shaky state of affairs within the Labour party.
Released in response to a parliamentary “humble address”, the files include emails, WhatsApp messages and internal notes from the appointment process in late 2024.
However, they contain no formal record of security mitigations for the risks flagged by UK Security Vetting (UKSV), despite earlier assurances from senior officials.
Multiple sources briefed on the documents told daily The Guardian there is no evidence that Mandelson was required to take specific steps to address concerns over his associations with senior figures in China, Russia and Israel.
One source said: “The big question I would be asking is why there is no written record of what mitigations were put in place.”
UKSV had recommended against granting Mandelson developed vetting clearance in January 2025, citing a “high” overall risk level.
Controversially, this decision was overruled by the Foreign Office .
Former Foreign Office permanent secretary Sir Olly Robbins later told MPs that “mitigations” had been put in place, a claim echoed by other officials.
The newly released papers show no documentation of such measures for national security risks, though some actions were taken regarding the numerous potential commercial conflicts linked to Mandelson’s lobbying firm, Global Counsel.
Despite this, Mandelson was receiving sensitive security briefings about the Foreign Office’s work and was in discussions with the head of MI6.
Next to the security issues, the texts also offer an insight in the discourse of Labour politicians.
Labour’s Welfare Secretary Pat McFadden told Mandelson that his party collegues had a twisted vision on tax policies.
“Every meeting I have is ‘who can we tax in order to pay benefits to others’. They’re asking the wrong questions.”
This painful admission was promptly highlighted by the political opposition.
Labour's Welfare Secretary admitted to Peter Mandelson what he won’t tell you.
Labour raised your taxes to pay for more benefits. pic.twitter.com/l6yjUbPkws
— Conservatives (@Conservatives) June 1, 2026
McFadden also told Mandelson he agreed with the critisism of Tony Blair on green policies of the energy secretary, Ed Miliband.
Mandelson said he worried about the economy under Labour and that confidence is being lost.
McFadden seemed to agree with this assessement.
Mandelson also told ministers to behave more “Trumpian”, to beat Reform UK.
He said the party’s problems “stems from the top and Keir [Starmer] lacks verve”.
“Keir is not leading from the front and Morgan [McSweeney, his chief of staff] is not organising the centre as it needs to be,” he wrote
In July 2025, Mandelson already warned that the PM was in political trouble.
Mandelson also accused Starmer of avoiding the media.
“I went in to No10 after I saw you. It is beleaguered and bereft.”
“It requires complete revamp and infusion of purpose and confidence to get anywhere”, he added.
He also indicated the wrong people were in power: “People’s heads are broadly in the right place but you need more people who can execute.”
Wes Streeting, who’s eying to take over Labour leadership of Starmer, also was described negatively after sending a “wild, long, hysterical message” over Israel to Mandelson.
“I pushed back. I can forward but reflects pretty badly on his maturity in my view.
“I think Wes is experiencing an early midlife crisis.”
Mandelson was sacked as ambassador in September 2025 after further details emerged of his relationship with the late shady financier and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
He remains under Metropolitan Police investigation over alleged leaks of government information.
A government spokesperson said the publication represented “the transparent and thorough process we have followed”.
The key nine-page UKSV summary document itself has not been released, with officials citing ongoing police concerns that publication could jeopardise any future prosecution.
The release comes at a difficult time for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, whose authority has already been weakened by the affair. It has contributed to the departures of key figures including Robbins and Starmer’s former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney.
They call him the Prince of Darkness for a reason. Mandelson returns—Epstein ties, scandals, yachts and all.
Watch the full episode👇 pic.twitter.com/PuZQ4b1kz8
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) September 20, 2025
