Keir Starmer could face further resignations when ministerial WhatsApp messages are published in the next tranche of the Peter Mandelson files, senior government sources have told the Guardian. The prime minister has already apologised for his handling of Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador, but the upcoming disclosures are expected to contain damaging details.
The releases were forced by a parliamentary motion passed by the Conservatives after Mandelson was sacked nine months into his job. The former Labour peer has since been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office after emails appeared to show he forwarded confidential information to Jeffrey Epstein while he was business secretary.
Officials believe some exchanges in the next tranche will be damaging enough to lead to further departures. All senior ministers, civil servants and special advisers have been asked to have their phone messages examined, including former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and ex-chief of staff Morgan McSweeney.
McSweeney had a “back and forth” with former communications director Matthew Doyle over Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein, according to the files. Doyle is named as having been “satisfied” with Mandelson’s explanation of his ties to Epstein, whom he stayed with after the businessman’s 2008 conviction.
Ministers may argue that personal messages should be excluded, but some officials believe that could lead to accusations of a cover-up. The Metropolitan police are withholding queries sent to Mandelson about his relationship with Epstein and his responses.
Speaking in Belfast on Thursday, Starmer reiterated that he had not known the full extent of Mandelson’s links to Epstein. “The release of the information shows what was known. That led to further questions being asked,” he said, adding that the police investigation prevented further disclosure.
