Ministers have received warnings against publishing messages exchanged with Peter Mandelson following Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s decision to release his private WhatsApp conversations with the former ambassador.
Investigation Underway
The Metropolitan Police are currently investigating alleged misconduct in public office. This investigation stems from claims that Mandelson may have passed market-sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein while serving as Business Secretary in Gordon Brown’s government in 2009. Police have searched two properties connected to Mandelson as part of their inquiry.
Streeting’s release of messages, exchanged between August 2024 and October 2025, was described as an attempt to distance himself from Mandelson. Within those messages, Streeting expressed concerns about the government’s economic strategy and questioned the effectiveness of No 10’s communications. These remarks have been interpreted as potentially positioning him for a future leadership contest.
The Cabinet Office has indicated that government members should refrain from sharing material potentially subject to a Commons motion regarding the release of documents related to Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador. The Met Police emphasized the importance of due process to avoid compromising their criminal investigation and any potential prosecution.
Government Response
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the release of information should be a “managed process” and that his government needs to be “acting together” on the matter. He added that all information gathered needs to be “pulled together.”
The Met Police will review material provided by the Cabinet Office to determine if publication could negatively impact the investigation or any subsequent legal proceedings. The ultimate decision on which documents are released rests with the government and Parliament.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the release of Wes Streeting’s messages?
Streeting released his messages with Peter Mandelson in an effort to draw a line under his relationship with the former ambassador, following a period of “smear and innuendo.”
What is the nature of the police investigation?
The Metropolitan Police are investigating alleged misconduct in public office, specifically claims that Peter Mandelson passed market-sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein in 2009.
What has been the government’s response to Streeting’s actions?
The Cabinet Office has warned ministers against publishing their messages with Peter Mandelson, and the Prime Minister has emphasized the need for a “managed process” and for the government to act “together” on the issue.
As the investigation unfolds, what level of transparency will the public receive regarding the relationship between government officials and individuals connected to Jeffrey Epstein?
