Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the prime minister, sent private messages of commiseration to Peter Mandelson after he was dismissed as US ambassador, according to texts that were not disclosed as part of a parliamentary release. The messages, reported by the Spectator, also included requests for advice on the reshuffle and critical remarks about business secretary Jonathan Reynolds and trade union influence.
Jones wrote to Mandelson: “You’ve been doing such a great job, and you worked wonders with Trump. I’m so sorry about today.” In an earlier message, Jones expressed a lack of confidence in Reynolds and former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, who were overseeing growth plans alongside Rachel Reeves. He also said he had “lost faith” in Reynolds’ advisers after they took a position aligned with union demands during a call about Port Talbot.
The texts reveal Jones sought “thoughts/advice” on a proposed reshuffle and expressed a preference for the business secretary role, saying “DBT my preference – everyone fond of Jonny but perception that DBT not firing on full cylinders.” He also mentioned interest in the technology, energy, or defence briefs. Jones later replaced his phone after taking on cybersecurity responsibilities at the Cabinet Office.
In parliament, Jones stated that only Mandelson could release the messages, as Mandelson had refused to hand over his phone. The prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, was also reported to have sent a warm text to Mandelson upon his appointment, which did not appear in the released documents. More than 1,500 pages were published by the government, but some were withheld due to a police investigation into Mandelson for misconduct in public office.
