Government Officials Cautioned Over Sharing Private Messages Linked to Mandelson Inquiry
The Cabinet Office has issued a stern warning to ministers, advising them against publishing any private communications with Peter Mandelson, the disgraced former ambassador. This directive comes in the wake of Labour MP Wes Streeting's decision to release dozens of his own WhatsApp messages exchanged with Mandelson between August 2024 and October 2025.
Police Investigation and Due Process Concerns
The Metropolitan Police are currently conducting a thorough investigation into allegations of misconduct in a public office. These allegations centre on claims that Mandelson, during his tenure as business secretary under Gordon Brown's government in 2009, passed market-sensitive information to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In a formal statement released on Tuesday, a Met Police spokesperson emphasised the critical importance of following due process to avoid compromising the ongoing criminal investigation and any potential future prosecution. The statement clarified that officers will collaborate with the Cabinet Office to review relevant documents over the coming weeks, assessing whether publication could detrimentally impact the case.
The police have already executed searches at two properties connected to Mandelson as part of their investigative efforts. They reiterated their commitment to a timely and thorough process to ensure justice is served, particularly in cases linked to the Epstein files.
Streeting's Message Release and Political Implications
In an apparent attempt to distance himself from Mandelson, Wes Streeting made public a series of private WhatsApp conversations. Within these messages, Streeting criticised the current government, stating it lacked a coherent growth strategy and questioning the effectiveness of Number 10's communications operation.
These remarks are widely interpreted as a strategic move to position Streeting for a potential future leadership contest within the Labour Party. The release has sparked significant political debate and raised questions about the appropriate handling of sensitive information.
Government Response and Prime Minister's Stance
Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the issue during an event in Hertfordshire, stressing the need for a "managed process" regarding the release of information. Starmer highlighted the importance of collective government action, stating that all information must be pulled together systematically.
When questioned about whether he had reprimanded Streeting for unilaterally releasing the messages, Starmer responded, "I do think that we all need to ensure that we're all acting together in this." He underscored that the handling of text messages and other information gathered under last week's parliamentary motion should be coordinated both within government and in consideration of the police investigation.
Cabinet Office Guidance and Parliamentary Context
The Cabinet Office's warning to ministers specifically references a Commons motion that compels the release of documents related to Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador. Officials have advised that members of government should refrain from sharing any material that could fall under this motion, to prevent any interference with the legal and parliamentary processes.
This situation underscores the delicate balance between transparency, legal proceedings, and political manoeuvring. As the Met Police continue their complex investigation, the government faces mounting pressure to navigate these challenges while upholding the integrity of both the justice system and parliamentary democracy.
