Mandelson 'told Cabinet how to do their jobs', new tranche of files set to reveal
Disgraced peer Lord Mandelson told Labour Cabinet ministers how to do their jobs, a new release of files is set to reveal.
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It is being alleged that during his time as US Ambassador, the former peer would frequently message senior Labour politicians to offer suggestions on how to conduct official business.
The advice given would constitute Mandelson greatly exceeding his official remit at the Washington embassy.
Messages expected to be published next week are set to show him giving advice to Cabinet, in what has been said to be "mostly unsolicited" suggestions, according to the Telegraph.
According to the newspaper, figures such as Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, then-Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, and ex-Health Secretary Wes Streeting, were the recipients of the former spin doctor's advice.
A source told the Telegraph that Lord Mandelson “thinks his opinion should be heard and listened to”, adding: “He’s definitely someone who offers advice.
“There is a certain generation of politician who thinks they have something to offer. He does that whether people want it or not.”
Read More: British deputy ambassador in Washington who stepped in after Mandelson sacking abruptly leaves post
The latest release of the so-called "Mandelson Files" related to his appointment and business in Washington is due to be published next week.
The tranche will likely renew pressure on Sir Keir Starmer for appointing him, with the spectre of a looming leadership challenge from Andy Burnham coming into view if the Mayor of Greater Manchester wins the Makerfield by-election in June.
A government spokesman said: “We are committed to complying with the Humble Address in full.”
Parliament’s intelligence watchdog has criticised the Government for redacting documents “far too broadly”, as it responds to MPs’ demand for details on the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.
The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) said on Friday it had made its final decisions on redactions to 337 documents connected to the appointment on national security grounds.
But in a statement, the ISC raised “concerns” about wider redactions, including individuals’ personal data, email addresses and the identities of junior civil servants.
The committee said it did not think the motion passed by the Commons demanding documents related to the appointment allowed redactions “other than on grounds of prejudice to UK national security and international relations”.
The ISC also suggested redactions on non-security grounds were “being applied far too broadly”, and accused the Government of withholding documents despite not having “the authority to do so”.
In particular, the committee said the Government had withheld a vetting file compiled by UK Security Vetting (UKSV).
Last month, it was disclosed that UKSV had recommended against granting Lord Mandelson the developed vetting necessary for his appointment, but the Foreign Office had given him clearance despite that advice.
Criticising a “failure to adhere to security advice”, the ISC said: “This is something we have noted, and raised previously with the last government, in relation to other matters.
“Where advice is sought and obtained by those organisations whose job it is to ensure security, for that advice to be overruled to suit some other objective is not acceptable.
“Proper security concerns cannot be dismissed simply because they are inconvenient.”
In February, MPs demanded the release of a huge tranche of documents connected with Lord Mandelson’s appointment, including private messages between the peer and senior ministers and their advisers.
The ISC was tasked with reviewing the Government’s redactions to some of those documents on national security grounds, but has said ministers should seek permission from Parliament to exclude information on any other grounds.
The committee also raised concerns about the extensive use of WhatsApp to conduct Government business, as well as the lack of an audit trail for decisions and the use of less secure IT systems, which it described as “appalling”.
Responding to the ISC’s statement, shadow Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart accused the Government of carrying out a “cover-up”.
He said: “It is outrageous that Labour are trying to withhold documents about the Mandelson-Epstein affair from Parliament.
“Throughout this process, Starmer and his ministers have sought to pull the wool over the public and Parliament’s eyes.
“They only started releasing information because the Conservatives forced them to, and even now they are continuing the cover-up.”