Peter Mandelson furiously lobbied key political figures in his bid to become chancellor of the University of Oxford, saying the institution’s new online voting system would be the “first real shot for a Labour figure to win”, newly released messages show.
Documents published by the UK government covering Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador feature communications related to the disgraced politician’s campaign to become chancellor of the prestigious university – the government said these were included because parliament had “expressed a significant interest” in the topic.
Mandelson unsuccessfully campaigned to become chancellor in 2024, eventually losing out to former Conservative Party leader William Hague.
Excerpts of WhatsApp conversations between Mandelson and others show he asked multiple politicians, including cabinet ministers, to support his campaign, positioning it as a chance for a Labour figure to secure the position.
Energy secretary Ed Miliband, pensions minister Torsten Bell and health secretary James Murray are among those Mandelson contacted about the campaign.
