New Mandelson files threaten fresh turmoil as government releases 1,000 pages

01 June 2026 , 18:48

457 0

The government could be plunged into fresh chaos today after the second wave of files relating to Peter Mandelson was released.

The release contains more than 1,000 pages over three volumes relating to Mandelson’s appointment as US Ambassador.

The first volume contains 598 pages, while the second has 554 pages and the third has 352 pages.

The full documents can be found on the government website.

It follows a previous release in February following revelations about Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

The release has been labelled ‘unprecedented’ and could cast further scrutiny on how his return to office was handled.

Health Secretary Mr Murray told Sky News: ‘I think the level of transparency is going to be unprecedented.

‘The volume of information that’s going to be put out is unprecedented.

‘It’s right we do that. We have been very clear that the appointment of Mandelson was wrong.

‘Parliament then decided that this information will be made public. The government is fully complying with that, and it’s important that we honour that commitment to transparency.’

The Guardian has already reported that the files will contain no record of any measures taken to mitigate serious security concerns over his appointment as Washington ambassador.

The first tranche of documents, published in March, showed Sir Keir Starmer was warned of a ‘general reputation risk’ because of Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Britain’s Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, meets apprentices to discuss the findings of Alan Milburn’s interim report, and how the government is tackling youth unemployment, at the training facility Acton Works in Chiswick, west London on May 28, 2026 in London, England. Former Labour Health minister Alan Milburn’s interim report warns that Britain faces a

It then emerged in April that UK Security Vetting (UKSV) recommended against granting Lord Mandelson security clearance.

The Prime Minister was unaware when top Foreign Office official Sir Olly Robbins overruled that advice.

Reports suggest that today’s release will not include a summary of UKSV’s vetting at the request of the Metropolitan Police, who fear it could jeopardise their investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office.

Several documents will be redacted to protect personal details of junior officials, or on national security grounds.

However, the Conservatives have accused the government of a cover-up.

Shadow minister Alex Burghart said: ‘I will remind you that the House did not provide the Government with the choice about redactions beyond the narrow scope in the humble address.

‘This behaviour will be viewed by the House as a contempt of Parliament, and as a cover-up by the British public.

‘Even if the Prime Minister leaves office in a few weeks, I can assure you we will hold you to account for this.’

A government spokesperson said: ‘We are committed to complying with the humble address in full.

‘The second tranche of documents will be among the largest publications ever laid in Parliament.

‘That reflects the transparent and thorough process we have followed, in line with established precedent for humble addresses.’

Lord Mandelson has repeatedly let it be known that he believes he has not acted criminally, did not act for personal gain and is co-operating with the police.