Darren Jones, chief secretary to the treasury and a close ally of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, sent undisclosed text messages consoling Peter Mandelson after Mandelson's dismissal as US ambassador, according to documents obtained by The Guardian.
The messages were not released as part of the humble address disclosure process, raising questions about transparency in Starmer's government. Jones's texts also contained requests for Mandelson's advice on the reshuffle and critical remarks about then-business secretary Jonathan Reynolds and the influence of trade unions on decision-making.
The revelation highlights tensions within Labour's upper ranks following Starmer's recent cabinet reorganization. Mandelson, a veteran Labour figure and longtime ally of the prime minister, lost his position as ambassador to Washington in a move that surprised observers given his stature and the importance of the US posting. The fact that Jones sought Mandelson's counsel on the broader reshuffle suggests Mandelson retained influence despite his removal from the ambassador role.
Jones's dismissive comments about Reynolds indicate friction over personnel decisions and policy direction. Reynolds, as business secretary, held a central portfolio in Labour's economic agenda, making his relationship with senior Treasury officials critical to governance.
The undisclosed nature of these communications raises accountability concerns. The humble address process requires the release of government communications to parliament when formally requested, ensuring legislators can scrutinize executive decision-making. The omission of Jones's texts suggests either incomplete disclosure procedures or selective release of sensitive materials.
Starmer has positioned his government as committed to standards and transparency, a contrast to the final chaotic months of the previous Conservative administration. The emergence of these hidden messages threatens that narrative and invites scrutiny of how his administration handles parliamentary obligations.
The incident also underscores fractures within Labour's top tier over strategic direction and personnel. With both Mandelson and Reynolds holding influential