Thousands of documents and messages related to Peter Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to the US have been released by the Government, shedding light on private conversations and opinions. Here are five things we learned from the leaked WhatsApp chats.
Mandelson's Defiance Over Phone Data
Lord Peter Mandelson stated that the Government would “never regret” appointing him as Britain’s ambassador to the US, according to a note published alongside the documents. However, he apparently “declined to comply” with a request to hand over his personal phone and allow the Government to publish WhatsApp messages and other information related to his appointment.
Criticism of Government Policy
On July 20, 2025, Mandelson told pensions minister Torsten Bell, “the government doesn’t do policy, generally speaking, well enough.” Bell agreed, saying, “That is definitely true – everyone seems to think it’s someone else’s job to get the policy right … Which is very odd.” Mandelson replied, “As the saying goes, rubbish in rubbish out…”
VAT Policy Concerns
In an exchange with Lords Leader Baroness Angela Smith, Mandelson described Labour’s policy of removing the VAT exemption for private schools as “probably unwise.” Lady Smith noted “grumpiness” from “more on our side than I’d like” over the policy during an August 2024 WhatsApp conversation. Mandelson reiterated, “I am afraid I think the VAT policy was probably unwise.”
Support for Louise Haigh
Mandelson expressed sympathy for former transport secretary Louise Haigh after she quit over a fraud offence. In a November 29, 2024 message, he wrote: “Lou, I am very sorry about this. You have been brave and loyal in your decision but it seems harsh given you were appointed in full knowledge.”
Starmer's Regret
The documents also reveal that Prime Minister Keir Starmer admitted, “I should not have appointed Mandelson,” adding a layer of controversy to the appointment process.
