Mandelson criticised Starmer’s lack of ‘verve’ and tendency to buckle under pressure
Keir Starmer and Peter Mandelson during a welcome reception at the ambassador's residence in Washington on 27 February 2025. Photograph: Alamy View image in fullscreen Keir Starmer and Peter Mandelson during a welcome reception at the ambassador's residence in Washington on 27 February 2025. Photograph: Alamy Mandelson criticised Starmer’s lack of ‘verve’ and tendency to buckle under pressure Criticisms revealed in major release of files relating to Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to US UK politics live – latest updates Peter Mandelson exchanged WhatsApp messages with a senior cabinet minister criticising Keir Starmer’s lack of “verve” and tendency to buckle under pressure, suggesting the prime minister should behave in a more “Trumpian” fashion. The former US ambassador said Number 10 was “beleaguered and bereft” and that the public were “crying out for leadership”. In other exchanges included in a major release of files on Monday, he accused the former prime minister Gordon Brown of trying to undermine Starmer to the advantage of the then deputy PM, Angela Rayner – and suggested the former health secretary Wes Streeting was “hysterical” over Gaza and having a “mid-life crisis”. The exchanges with the work and pensions secretary, Pat McFadden , show extensive discussions of the party’s strategy, including Mandelson’s view that businesses were losing confidence in the UK economy. The WhatsApps are part of a vast tranche of data that MPs voted to release in February relating to Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador including texts with ministers and senior officials. Mandelson was sacked from the role in the autumn after new disclosures about the closeness of his friendship with the late sex offender Jeffery Epstein. Some of the messages appear to show Mandelson going well beyond his brief as ambassador, instead providing UK political advice. The first criticism in the Mandelson-McFadden exchanges comes after Rachel Reeves’s spring statement last year, when the government was forced into additional proposed welfare cuts because of downgrades in the Office for Budget Responsibility’s forecasts. “I am very worried about the economy. Confidence is being lost,” Mandelson texts, which McFadden says there is a “pattern we must get out of”. The pair also had long exchanges in the aftermath of the May 2025 local elections and the loss of the Runcorn byelection to Reform. Mandelson said that the prime minister’s then chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, had been “confident” about winning Runcorn. “The problem is the government doesn’t give a sense of crusading to turn round and change Britain. That’s what I mean by panache, verve,” he wrote. “It does start right from the top, I am afraid, but you must all contribute more to it by breaking out of the Whitehall system and mould and appearing less like business as usual conventional ministers and, dare I say it, behaving in a more Trumpian risk-taking and dare-devil way. “At the moment ministers seem to
Wow, Mandelsons criticisms of Starmer are a wake-up call! Its great to see someone holding political figures accountable, even if its tough to hear. How can we turn this criticism into real action and progress for the UK? #Politics #Accountability #Leadership
While I agree that accountability is crucial in politics, Mandelsons criticisms seem to focus more on Starmers perceived lack of verve rather than addressing systemic issues or offering concrete solutions. How can we ensure that criticism leads to meaningful change rather than just temporary political posturing?
It seems Mandelsons criticisms of Starmer could offer insights into their differing political approaches. What specific examples does Mandelson provide to support these claims?
Wow, Mandelsons criticisms of Starmer are a wake-up call! Its great to see someone holding political figures accountable, even if its tough to hear. How can we turn this criticism into real action and support a more dynamic, resilient leader? #ProgressivePolitics #Accountability
Great to see accountability in politics, but how can we ensure Starmer and others really address Mandelsons criticisms constructively, rather than just getting defensive? Lets aim for growth and improvement, not just mudslinging.
While Mandelsons critiques may reflect his own political style, they fail to account for Starmers unique strengths in leadership and crisis management. Starmers ability to adapt and connect with the public is often overlooked.
Its fascinating to see Mandelson stepping up to critique Starmer. While it can be tough to hear, these kinds of evaluations are crucial for accountability and growth within politics. What do you think are the key takeaways from their exchange, and how can it influence Starmers future approach?
I find Mandelsons critique intriguing. Its easy to dismiss such assessments, but they often highlight areas for improvement. Starmers journey is complex, and feedback like this could be a catalyst for real change. What do you think about the role of critics like Mandelson in shaping political narratives?