Starmer Apologises as Mandelson WhatsApp Files Threaten More Resignations
Senior government sources have indicated that Prime Minister Keir Starmer could confront additional resignations when the next tranche of ministerial WhatsApp messages related to the Peter Mandelson affair is published. Officials are preparing for subsequent releases, which are anticipated to include informal communications alongside the formal messages disclosed in the initial batch.
Prime Minister's Apology and Ongoing Fallout
On Thursday, Starmer reiterated his apology for his handling of Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador, stating emphatically, "It was me that made a mistake, and it's me that makes the apology to the victims of [Jeffrey] Epstein, and I do that." This comes amid growing scrutiny over the disclosures, which are not expected to be released for several weeks as they undergo collation and review.
The intelligence and security committee of MPs and peers will examine the files to determine which can be safely released on national security grounds. The releases were compelled by a parliamentary motion passed by the Conservatives after Mandelson was dismissed just nine months into his ambassadorial role, following revelations about his connections to Epstein.
Damaging Exchanges and Wider Implications
Officials believe that some exchanges in the upcoming Mandelson files will be sufficiently damaging to prompt further departures from government. All senior ministers, civil servants, and special advisers have been instructed to have their phone messages scrutinised, including former figures such as ex-deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, and former communications director Matthew Doyle.
The initial files reveal that McSweeney engaged in a "back and forth" with Doyle regarding Mandelson's relationship with Epstein. Doyle is noted as having been "satisfied" with Mandelson's explanation of his ties to Epstein, whom he visited after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Both McSweeney and Doyle have already left Downing Street.
Legal and Political Complications
Ministers may argue that personal or gossiping messages with Mandelson should be excluded from publication, as the parliamentary motion covers discussions related to government business. However, some officials fear that such limitations could fuel accusations of a cover-up, adding to the political tension.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has proactively released his own messages, which included criticisms of the government's growth strategy and predictions about losing his parliamentary seat in Ilford North. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan police are withholding queries sent to Mandelson about his Epstein relationship and his responses, along with undisclosed emails from FCDO permanent secretary Oliver Robbins.
Allegations of Cover-Up and Ethical Scrutiny
Mandelson has reportedly told friends he believes the response to queries will demonstrate he did not intentionally mislead the prime minister. Conversely, No 10 insists the evidence will show they were deceived. Lawyers have cautioned ministers against being overly critical of Mandelson in the media to avoid prejudicing any future trial.
Downing Street has denied accusations from the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats that Starmer misled the House of Commons about the vetting process or concealed his responses to the released documents. During a visit to Belfast, Starmer emphasised that he was unaware of the full extent of Mandelson's links to Epstein, stating, "The release of the information shows what was known. That led to further questions being asked."
Documents released on Wednesday included official advice to Starmer, highlighting risks associated with political appointees as ambassadors and specifically detailing concerns about Mandelson's Epstein ties. Both documents featured a "prime minister comments" section that was left blank, contrary to protocol where the PM would formally record decisions.
Conservative Calls for Investigation
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch claimed that Starmer's comments appeared redacted, alleging, "They have been removed. We need the full details of what the prime minister did. There is still a cover-up going on." No 10 officials countered that nothing was redacted and this was the final version, suggesting Starmer likely gave verbal instructions despite protocol requiring formal documentation.
Starmer's spokesperson refuted suggestions of a cover-up, asserting that the government had "complied fully" with the Commons motion. He acknowledged lessons to be learned regarding appointment and internal processes. On Thursday evening, the Conservatives wrote to Laurie Magnus, Starmer's independent ethics adviser, requesting an investigation into whether omissions in the files constitute an attempted cover-up.
Reforms and Accountability
Among the files are comments from Jonathan Powell, Starmer's national security adviser, who described Mandelson's appointment as "weirdly rushed." No 10 officials noted that while vetting was expedited, standard rules permit a certain number of fast-tracked processes annually.
Starmer and his ministers have conceded that current vetting and due diligence procedures are inadequate and require reform. The spokesperson clarified that Starmer is not evading responsibility, stating, "The prime minister has taken responsibility for Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the United States, he has acknowledged it was a mistake, and he has apologised."
