Lord Mandelson also raised concerns about policymaking, saying the government did not handle policy “well enough”.3 min readJun 2, 2026 05:48 AM IST First published on: Jun 2, 2026 at 05:48 AM IST ShareWhatsapptwitterFacebookMessages released by the UK government show that Lord Mandelson privately criticised Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. (File Photo)Messages released by the UK government show that Lord Mandelson privately criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Downing Street and Labour MPs.The documents, running to around 1,500 pages, include exchanges between Lord Mandelson and senior ministers linked to his appointment as the UK’s ambassador to the United States. He was later removed from the role due to his links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.In one message, Lord Mandelson described Downing Street as “beleaguered and bereft” and said it needed a “complete revamp”, the BBC reported.Concerns over leadership and authorityThe messages suggest doubts within government ranks about Keir’s leadership. In a text sent in May 2025, Lord Mandelson said the prime minister “lacks verve as does the Cabinet as a whole”.Around the same time, Labour suffered losses in local elections and a by-election. Cabinet minister Pat McFadden wrote: “Awful feeling today. What a shellacking,” according to the BBC.Story continues below this adAlso read UK police appeal for witnesses in Prince Andrew probe; Epstein trafficking allegation under reviewIn later exchanges, both men discussed the risk of a parliamentary defeat over welfare reforms. Lord Mandelson warned: “I am not sure that Keir survives that,” while McFadden said defeat or withdrawal of the bill could “destroy his authority”.Criticism of No 10 operationsThe messages also point to frustration with how Downing Street was functioning. McFadden described the situation as “not good”, adding advisers “don’t think they know what they want”.Lord Mandelson said: “They don’t work as a team… none of them really know what Keir thinks or wants,” the BBC reported.He added that the system was producing poor results, saying: “Rubbish in, rubbish out.”Story continues below this adViews on Labour MPs and policyIn another exchange, McFadden appeared to criticise Labour backbenchers, saying meetings focused on “who can we tax in order to pay benefits to others.”Lord Mandelson also raised concerns about policymaking, saying the government did not handle policy “well enough”.Political reaction and publicationThe documents were released after MPs voted earlier this year to make them public. Some parts remain redacted for security and privacy reasons, while others have been withheld due to an ongoing police investigation into Lord Mandelson. He denies any wrongdoing.Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the messages showed Labour figures speaking differently in private and public.Story continues below this adAlso read ‘Unforgivable and staggering’: How hidden vetting failure over Mandelson’s Epstein ties left Keir Starmer fighting for survivalA spokesperson for McFadden said his focus has been on improving opportunities, especially for young people, rather than entitlement.The BBC reported that the publication is one of the largest of its kind by the government, costing more than £1 million.Most ReadLord Mandelson was appointed ambassador to the US in December 2024. Before that, he had sought support from ministers for other roles, including chancellor of Oxford University.Some ministers’ messages were not fully available. Nick Thomas-Symonds said his phone had been stolen and he shared what he could recall, an ally told the BBC.Story continues below this adThe release of the messages has renewed scrutiny of the decision to appoint Lord Mandelson and its political impact.AdvertisementLoading Recommendations...AdvertisementLive BlogUS Iran Israel War News Live Updates: Israel says rockets fired at country’s north after Trump announced shooting would ‘stop’5 minutes agoJEE Advanced 2026 Result Live Updates: Results out, AAT and JoSAA counselling schedule announced45 minutes agoAP EAMCET 2026 Results Date, Time Live Updates: Results delayed, fresh dates awaited7 hours agoMamata Banerjee Address Live Updates: Mamata claims police threats to MLAs, announces protest ‘tomorrow’11 hours ago‘Not seeking concession, just became mother’, says Vinesh Phogat as Supreme Court clears her for Asian Games trials18 hours ago