British ministers have been cautioned against following Health Secretary Wes Streeting in publicly releasing messages exchanged with former Labour powerbroker Peter Mandelson, as a police investigation into alleged misconduct in public office continues. The Cabinet Office issued a directive last night advising government members to refrain from sharing material potentially covered by a recent parliamentary motion.
Simultaneously, Scotland Yard emphasized the “vital” importance of due process to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation, which centers on allegations that Lord Mandelson may have passed market-sensitive information to the late Jeffrey Epstein in the early 2000s.
The warnings followed Mr. Streeting’s decision to proactively release transcripts of his communications with Lord Mandelson, a move widely interpreted as an attempt to distance himself from the controversy surrounding the former ambassador to the United States. The messages, spanning from August 2024 to October 2025, revealed Mr. Streeting’s concerns about the government’s economic policies and his pessimistic outlook on his own electoral prospects.
Among the disclosed exchanges, Mr. Streeting expressed anxieties that the government operated without “no growth strategy” and voiced fears he would be “toast” at the next general election. The release of these messages has prompted scrutiny of Mr. Streeting’s political ambitions, particularly in the context of potential leadership challenges to the current Prime Minister.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated that the force will review any material submitted by the Cabinet Office to assess its potential impact on the investigation or any subsequent prosecution. The process of determining which documents will ultimately be made public remains the responsibility of the government and Parliament.
The investigation into Lord Mandelson’s conduct stems from his close association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Lord Mandelson resigned from his position as UK ambassador to Washington last year and recently resigned his Labour membership following renewed scrutiny of his relationship with Epstein. He maintains his innocence and asserts he acted without any criminal intent or financial motivation.
The situation has created internal tensions within the Labour Party. Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the need for a “managed process” regarding the release of information and stressed the importance of government unity. He also defended Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ economic policies, stating she was “turning the economy around.”
Speaking at an event in Hertfordshire, Mr. Starmer stated, “I will never walk away from the mandate that I was given to change this country,” and emphasized his commitment to serving the British people. He also criticized internal party divisions, arguing that the focus should be on addressing the cost-of-living crisis and improving opportunities for disadvantaged communities.
The Prime Minister’s comments came after facing calls for his resignation from within his own party, including Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who expressed concern that the controversy surrounding Lord Mandelson would harm the party’s chances in upcoming elections. However, Mr. Starmer received strong support from his cabinet, who rallied around him and reaffirmed their commitment to his leadership.
A readout of a cabinet meeting chaired by Mr. Starmer indicated that ministers expressed their support and emphasized the party’s desire for a Labour government in Scotland. The Prime Minister reportedly thanked his team for their backing and reiterated his determination to lead the country.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for Mr. Starmer’s resignation, arguing that he has demonstrated an inability to effectively govern. The unfolding situation highlights the political risks associated with past associations and the challenges of navigating complex investigations involving high-profile figures.
Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) now has control over which files related to Lord Mandelson’s appointment will be released to the public, following a Labour-led effort to override initial government attempts to impose exemptions based on international relations concerns. This shift in control underscores the growing pressure on the government to be transparent about its handling of the Mandelson affair.
The release of potentially embarrassing documents is expected to be substantial, with estimates suggesting tens of thousands of pages of material will need to be reviewed. The process is likely to be protracted and politically sensitive, as it could reveal further details about the extent of knowledge within government regarding Lord Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
