See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy GETHIN HICKS, REPORTER Updated: 22:24 BST, 1 June 2026
The second tranche of Peter Mandelson files are 'embarrassing and awkward' for Sir Keir Starmer, a Labour MP has admitted. Downing Street was plunged into turmoil once again on Monday after the disclosure of more than 1,000 pages of material linked to the scandalous appointment of Mandelson as US ambassador. Messages between Labour ministers and aides gave a stark glimpse into backbiting behind the scenes, with one document showing Mandelson criticising the Prime Minister for 'lacking verve'. It was also revealed that the disgraced peer did not pass vetting for the job amidst his links to Jeffrey Epstein, and that he refused to hand over WhatsApp messages and other personal information to an inquiry. Labour MP for Kensington and Bayswater Joe Powell subsequently called on the government to learn its lesson over the appointment, while admitting the files will come as a source of embarrassment for the PM. It came after potential Starmer successor Andy Burnham insisted 'change can't come soon enough' in a scathing X post as speculation mounts over the Labour leader's future. Starmer, who had kept a noticeably low profile today, was later pictured driving past Mandelson's Regent's Park home - after No10 confirmed he will not be commenting on the contents of the tranche this evening.
