A cache of “embarrassing” communications between Government ministers and the disgraced peer Lord Peter Mandelson is due for release within the coming weeks exposing what sources describe as an overly “cosy relationship” at the heart of power, it has been revealed.
The documents form part of a second batch of files connected to Lord Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador, with publication anticipated once MPs return from recess on June 1.
Those who have seen the material told The i Paper that certain ministers appear to have been “sucking up” to the former ambassador.
Although the revelations are expected to intensify pressure on Sir Keir Starmer amid his battle for political survival, insiders maintain there is no “smoking gun” capable of toppling the Government.
One source characterised the messages as “more embarrassing than anything else”, revealing “a far too cosy relationship between some ministers and Lord Mandelson”.
The forthcoming release could further undermine the Government’s standing, particularly if questions arise about whether personal loyalties took precedence over proper procedures.
Downing Street has confirmed that this next tranche of Mandelson files will constitute the largest release of documents to Parliament since the Chilcot Inquiry into the Iraq war.
Officials noted that while the Iraq inquiry spanned seven years and exceeded 6,000 pages.
The next set of files related to the appointment of Lord Mandelson are set to be released in the coming weeks
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The Mandelson papers will be considerably shorter but nonetheless represent the second-biggest parliamentary publication in history.
The disclosure follows a turbulent period for the government surrounding Lord Mandelson’s December 2024 appointment to his Washington post.
He was removed from the ambassadorial role last year after fresh details emerged regarding his connections to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
MPs voted in February to compel ministers to release all documents relating to the appointment through a parliamentary mechanism known as a Humble Address.
There is no ‘smoking gun’ in the new files capable of toppling the government
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PAThe initial batch of papers, made public in March, disclosed that UK Security Vetting had advised against granting Lord Mandelson clearance for the position, yet the Foreign Office proceeded to approve him regardless.
Despite the impending release, the Intelligence and Security Committee has indicated that certain documents connected to Lord Mandelson’s appointment remain “withheld” from parliamentarians.
Lord Beamish, who chairs the committee responsible for reviewing the material, has pointed to Lord Mandelson’s vetting file as one document being kept from MPs.
The committee chair has argued that while ministers may possess legitimate grounds for retaining some information, they cannot make such decisions unilaterally.
Lord Beamish has insisted that government figures should seek parliamentary consent before holding back specific documents.
It is understood a minister may need to appear before the Commons to justify the omissions.