A second batch of documents concerning Lord Mandelson's tenure as UK ambassador to the US was released on Monday, following a parliamentary vote in February to disclose the files. The 1,500-page release aims to shed light on the behind-the-scenes discussions surrounding his appointment, but several key questions remain unresolved.
Missing Messages
The documents include over 160 pages of messages and WhatsApp exchanges between Mandelson and government officials. However, Mandelson declined to hand over his personal phone, leaving those communications unseen. Only six messages between Mandelson and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer were disclosed, covering brief exchanges about campaigning and praise for former PM John Major. Downing Street confirmed that Starmer uses the disappearing messages feature, but insisted this doesn't hinder record-keeping or transparency.
Notably, messages from Morgan McSweeney, Starmer's former chief of staff who resigned after Mandelson's sacking, are absent. McSweeney reported his government phone stolen last year, and it has not been recovered, though he provided some messages from his personal phone. Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds also lost his phone to theft, and he has shared what he recalls. Additionally, some messages were redacted for national security or diplomatic reasons.
Vetting Concerns
The Foreign Office granted Mandelson security clearance against the recommendation of the United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV). Downing Street claims no minister, including the prime minister, was aware of this at the time. However, the released documents do not include Mandelson's actual vetting form or a nine-page summary of the vetting process.
Declaration of Interests
A blank template for Mandelson's declaration of interests was previously released, but the completed form—including details on conflicts of interest—was not included in this batch.
Epstein Relationship
Starmer accused Mandelson of failing to fully disclose his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein before his appointment. During due diligence, McSweeney asked Mandelson three follow-up questions about Epstein, but those answers remain undisclosed. The Metropolitan Police are investigating Mandelson for alleged misconduct in public office, and some documents have been withheld at their request. Mandelson denies wrongdoing and insists he answered accurately.
Chagos Islands Concerns
In messages with then-No. 10 communications chief Lord Matthew Doyle, Mandelson expressed worry about the UK's deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The agreement, which included leasing the Diego Garcia military base back, has since been shelved after the US failed to confirm approval. On January 18, 2025, Mandelson told Doyle he was "getting very worried about Chagos," but the next five messages are redacted, leaving the context unclear.