Labour Sinks Deeper as Mandelson Vetting Files Released
British government documents reveal no formal security mitigations were documented for Peter Mandelson's U.S. ambassador appointment despite vetting concerns over his China, Russia, and Israel ties.
According to Brussels Signal, the files were made public on June 1 following a parliamentary “humble address” and include emails, WhatsApp messages, and internal notes from the appointment process that took place in late 2024.
The documents reveal no formal record of security mitigations for risks flagged by UK Security Vetting, despite earlier assurances from senior officials that such measures had been implemented.
Security Concerns Overruled Without Documentation
Multiple sources familiar with the documents told The Guardian there is no evidence that Mandelson was required to take specific steps to address concerns over his associations with senior figures in China, Russia, and Israel. UK Security Vetting had recommended against granting Mandelson developed vetting clearance in January 2025, citing a “high” overall risk level. That decision was controversially overruled by the Foreign Office.
Former Foreign Office permanent secretary Sir Olly Robbins later told MPs that “mitigations” had been put in place, a claim echoed by other officials. Yet the newly released papers show no documentation of such measures for national security risks, though some actions were taken regarding potential commercial conflicts linked to Mandelson’s lobbying firm, Global Counsel.
Despite the absence of documented security protocols, Mandelson was receiving sensitive security briefings about the Foreign Office’s work and was in discussions with the head of MI6.
Internal Labour Discord Laid Bare
Beyond the security issues, the texts offer a revealing window into the internal discourse of Labour politicians, as Brussels Signal reports.
Labour’s Welfare Secretary Pat McFadden told Mandelson that his party colleagues had a twisted vision on tax policies, stating that every meeting centered on “who can we tax in order to pay benefits to others” and that they were “asking the wrong questions.”
The political opposition quickly seized on this admission. McFadden also told Mandelson he agreed with Tony Blair’s criticism of energy secretary Ed Miliband’s green policies.
Mandelson expressed deep concern about the economy under Labour, warning that confidence was being lost. McFadden appeared to share this assessment.
Mandelson’s Scathing Assessment of Starmer
The documents reveal Mandelson advised ministers to behave more “Trumpian” to beat Reform UK. He said the party’s problems “stems from the top and Keir [Starmer] lacks verve.”
In messages, Mandelson wrote that Starmer was not leading from the front and that Morgan McSweeney, his chief of staff, was not organizing the center as needed. In July 2025, Mandelson had already warned that the Prime Minister was in political trouble.
Mandelson also accused Starmer of avoiding the media, writing that he went into Number 10 after a meeting and found it “beleaguered and bereft.” He added that it required “complete revamp and infusion of purpose and confidence to get anywhere.”
He further indicated the wrong people were in power, stating that while people’s heads were broadly in the right place, “you need more people who can execute.”
Wes Streeting, who is eyeing Labour leadership as a potential successor to Starmer, was also described negatively after sending what Mandelson characterized as a “wild, long, hysterical message” over Israel. Mandelson wrote that he pushed back and that it “reflects pretty badly on his maturity,” adding that he believed Streeting was “experiencing an early midlife crisis.”
Mandelson Sacked Amid Epstein Scandal
Mandelson was sacked as ambassador in September 2025 after further details emerged of his relationship with the late shady financier and convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. He remains under Metropolitan Police investigation over alleged leaks of government information.
A government spokesperson said the publication represented “the transparent and thorough process we have followed.” However, the key nine-page UK Security Vetting summary document itself has not been released, with officials citing ongoing police concerns that publication could jeopardize any future prosecution.
The release comes at a difficult time for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, whose authority has already been weakened by the affair. It has contributed to the departures of key figures including Robbins and Starmer’s former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney.
With information from Brussels Signal
