Ministers are being advised to refrain from making public their messages exchanged with Peter Mandelson, especially after Wes Streeting made headlines by releasing his private WhatsApp conversations with the controversial former ambassador.
In an internal communication to officials, the Cabinet Office has reportedly cautioned that government members should avoid sharing any material that might be covered by a Commons motion demanding the disclosure of documents related to Mandelson’s appointment as the US ambassador. This comes amidst a backdrop of scrutiny and investigation surrounding Mandelson.
The Metropolitan Police have launched an inquiry into purported misconduct in a public office, focusing on allegations that Mandelson shared sensitive market information with Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as business secretary under Gordon Brown in 2009. The police emphasized on Tuesday the importance of adhering to due process to avoid jeopardizing their ongoing investigation.
In a bid to clarify his ties with Mandelson and perhaps reshape his political image, Streeting published a significant number of messages exchanged with Mandelson between August 2024 and October 2025. Within these communications, Streeting openly criticized the government for lacking a coherent growth strategy and raised concerns about the effectiveness of No 10’s communication efforts—comments that seem aimed at positioning himself for a potential leadership role.
During an event in Hertfordshire, when asked about this issue, Keir Starmer articulated that the dissemination of information must be a carefully controlled process, emphasizing the need for unity within the government. He stated, "The issue of text messages and all information being compiled from last week’s humble address needs to be managed properly, both within the government and, of course, in conjunction with police matters."
When questioned if he reprimanded Streeting for unilaterally releasing his messages, the Prime Minister responded by stressing the necessity for collective action, asserting that it is crucial for all pertinent information to be systematically gathered together.
Meanwhile, officers have conducted searches at two locations associated with Mandelson as part of the police investigation. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed on Tuesday that they are actively investigating alleged misconduct in public office and reiterated that it is essential to follow due process to ensure that their criminal investigation, and any future prosecution, remains uncompromised.
As part of their inquiries, the police will examine materials provided by the Cabinet Office to determine whether publishing this information could adversely affect their investigation or any forthcoming legal actions. They will collaborate with the Cabinet Office in reviewing relevant documents over the upcoming weeks. Ultimately, the decision regarding which documents should be released lies with the government and parliament.
As previously stated, while this investigation may indeed be intricate, the police remain committed to a comprehensive and timely process to ensure that justice is served, not just in this case but also in any related matters connected to the Epstein files.
