Foreign secretary fails to defend Starmer after Mandelson messages published
Key takeaways from explosive Mandelson WhatsApp messages
The Foreign secretary stated that Peter Mandelson should “never have been appointed” as Britain’s ambassador to the US, following the publication of damning messages.
During her visit to China, Yvette Cooper declined to affirm Sir Keir Starmer‘s strength as a leader or comment on Mandelson’s criticism that the Prime Minister “lacks verve”.
The government is facing scrutiny after releasing a second tranche of documents detailing Mandelson’s appointment, which revealed his critical views of Sir Keir’s Downing Street operation.
Sir Keir sacked Mandelson in September 2025 due to pressure following leaked emails showing the peer sent supportive messages to Jeffrey Epstein.
The released documents also showed Mandelson’s refusal to hand over personal communications and included internal Labour Party criticisms, such as Pat McFadden’s comments on the Parliamentary Labour Party.
