Peter Mandelson's private criticisms of Keir Starmer's leadership have been exposed in hundreds of pages of documents released following his appointment as US ambassador. The files, spanning three volumes and over 1,000 pages, include WhatsApp exchanges where Mandelson described Starmer's No 10 operation as 'beleaguered and bereft' and suggested the prime minister lacked 'verve', often buckling under pressure.
In messages to Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, Mandelson urged Starmer to adopt a more 'Trumpian' approach. The documents also reveal McFadden's agreement with Tony Blair's controversial 2024 comments criticising Ed Miliband's net zero plans, which Mandelson called 'spot on'. Mandelson further criticised Miliband's response as 'so personal and stupid'.
The files show Mandelson lobbying against the government's net zero agenda, arguing that energy supply and costs were central to economic success. He also expressed frustration with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), accusing it of leaking information about US trade talks. No 10 communications director Steph Driver confirmed DBT was 'cut out of conversations' due to leak concerns.
Despite the strong criticism, some MPs believe the revelations are less damaging than feared. The documents also include McFadden's defence of welfare reform, stating the system must shift from asking 'what benefits are you entitled to' to 'how do we help you change your life'. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch seized on this, calling Labour 'the welfare party'.
