Peter Mandelson criticised Sir Keir Starmer's lack of 'verve' and tendency to buckle under pressure in leaked WhatsApp messages, suggesting the prime minister should adopt a more 'Trumpian' approach. The former US ambassador said No 10 was 'beleaguered and bereft' and that the public were 'crying out for leadership'.
The messages, exchanged with Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, were released as part of a tranche of data relating to Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador. In one exchange, Mandelson described advisers and policy from No 10 as 'rubbish in, rubbish out'.
Mandelson also accused former prime minister Gordon Brown of trying to undermine Starmer to the advantage of Angela Rayner, and suggested Wes Streeting was 'hysterical' over Gaza. The pair discussed Labour MPs being in a 'mutinous state' and the party's strategy, with Mandelson warning that businesses were losing confidence in the UK economy.
The WhatsApps also revealed frustration with Ed Miliband over net zero and discussions about Starmer's chief of staff considering setting up an external No 10 unit. Mandelson was sacked as US ambassador in the autumn after disclosures about his friendship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
