Mandelson calls Starmer’s Downing Street “beleaguered and bereft” in leaked WhatsApp messages

01 June 2026 , 16:42

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Mandelson calls Starmer’s Downing Street “beleaguered and bereft” in leaked WhatsApp messages

Lord Peter Mandelson warned that Sir Keir Starmer’s Downing Street operation is "beleaguered and bereft" in damaging WhatsApp messages to a Cabinet minister.

The then US ambassador told close Starmer ally Pat McFadden: "I went in to No. 10 after I saw you. It is beleaguered and bereft."

"It requires complete revamp and infusion of purpose and confidence to get anywhere," he added.

In another set of messages, he said the Labour government should “become more Trumpian” in taking risks, the day after Labour’s double defeat at the local elections and the Runcorn by-election last May.

In a WhatsApp to pensions minister Torsten Bell, he said “the government doesn’t do policy, generally speaking, well enough.”

Among the thousands of documents released relating to Lord Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador is a handwritten note to then foreign secretary David Lammy, telling him the government would “never regret” placing him in the post.

MPs voted in February to demand ministers publish a wide range of documents relating to the appointment, following the launch of a police investigation into Lord Mandelson and concerns about the vetting process involved.

Elizabeth Baker

Technology & Business Editor