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Happy Mandelson files’ release day, one and all. After months of speculation, the Cabinet Office has today finally released all the texts between ministers and Britain’s (former) man in Washington. Steerpike has been pouring over the various WhatsApps and brings to you his favourite selection of the texts that will doubtless soon be adorning Tory attack ads…
McFadden’s benefits admission
Pat McFadden’s texts during the great Labour welfare revolt last spring are among the most revealing. As well as admitting to Mandelson that the backlash over plans to cut disability benefits had shot Keir Starmer’s authority, he also gave the peer a revealing insight into the minds of colleagues. McFadden texted Mandelson on 24 May to say ‘Every meeting I have is “who can we tax in order to pay benefits to others”. They’re asking the wrong questions.’
Chagos sell-out rush
