Starmer’s chief secretary consoled Mandelson after dismissal as US ambassador, undisclosed texts show
Summary
Text messages reveal that Darren Jones, a close ally of Prime Minister Starmer, sent supportive messages to Peter Mandelson after Mandelson was removed as UK ambassador to the US. Some government messages were deleted or missing, raising concerns about transparency during a recent cabinet reshuffle involving Mandelson.Key Facts
- Peter Mandelson was dismissed as UK ambassador to the US in September due to his close friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.
- Darren Jones, chief secretary to the prime minister, sent him messages expressing sympathy and asking for advice on the cabinet reshuffle.
- Jones criticized then-business secretary Jonathan Reynolds and mentioned losing faith in his advisers due to trade union influence.
- Jones wanted a senior government position such as business secretary, technology secretary, or energy secretary.
- Jones and other ministers said some messages were deleted or lost after phone changes or use of disappearing messages.
- Mandelson refused to share his phone messages related to the inquiry.
- The government released over 1,500 pages of documents but some information is still withheld due to a police investigation into Mandelson.
- Former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney had exchanged messages with Mandelson before the reshuffle, which have not been disclosed.
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