Government ministers have received a stark warning from the Cabinet Office against publishing their private communications with Peter Mandelson, following Labour MP Wes Streeting's decision to release his own WhatsApp exchanges with the former business secretary.
Cabinet Office Issues Caution to Ministers
The Cabinet Office has communicated to officials that members of the government should refrain from sharing any material that might fall under a recent Commons motion. This parliamentary measure compels the release of documents connected to Mandelson's controversial appointment as US ambassador during Gordon Brown's administration.
This caution comes directly in response to Streeting's publication of dozens of messages exchanged with Mandelson between August 2024 and October 2025. Within these communications, Streeting criticised the government's economic approach, stating it lacked a coherent growth strategy, while also questioning the effectiveness of Number 10's communications operation.
Metropolitan Police Investigation Underway
The Metropolitan Police are currently conducting an investigation into alleged misconduct in a public office. This probe follows serious claims that Mandelson passed market-sensitive information to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein back in 2009, when he served as business secretary.
In a statement released on Tuesday, a Met Police spokesperson emphasised the importance of due process, stating it was "vital due process is followed" to avoid compromising their criminal investigation or any potential future prosecution. Officers have already executed searches at two properties linked to Mandelson as part of their ongoing inquiries.
Prime Minister Calls for Unified Government Approach
Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the situation during an event in Hertfordshire, stressing the need for a "managed process" regarding the release of information. He explicitly stated that his government should be "acting together in this" matter.
When questioned about whether he had reprimanded Streeting for unilaterally releasing his messages, Starmer responded: "I do think that we all need to ensure that we're all acting together in this, because all the information needs to be pulled together." This comment underscores the government's desire for coordinated handling of sensitive documents related to the Mandelson case.
Political Implications of the Message Release
Political analysts suggest that Streeting's decision to publish his exchanges with Mandelson appears strategically calculated. The critical remarks about government strategy and communications within the messages seem designed to position Streeting favorably for any potential future leadership contest within the Labour Party.
The Met Police confirmed they will collaborate with the Cabinet Office to review relevant documents in the coming weeks, assessing whether publication could detrimentally affect their investigation. However, they clarified that the ultimate decision regarding which documents should be published remains a matter for government and parliament.
The police spokesperson added: "This investigation may be complex but we are focused on a timely and thorough process so that justice is served in this case, or future ones linked to the Epstein files." This statement highlights the broader context of the investigation, connecting it to the ongoing scrutiny of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
