Darren Jones Praised Peter Mandelson After US Ambassador Sacking Over Epstein Links
Senior minister Darren Jones told Peter Mandelson he had performed a "great job" following the peer's removal as the UK's ambassador to the United States. Messages, not among those initially released by the government, show Jones expressing deep regret to the Labour grandee on the day he was dismissed from the Washington role.
Lord Mandelson's appointment in late 2024 was terminated the subsequent autumn after additional details regarding his prior friendship with late financier and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein became public. On the day Sir Keir Starmer dismissed Lord Mandelson, Jones reportedly wrote: "You've been doing such a great job, and you worked wonders with Trump. I'm so sorry about today."
In an April interview, Jones had denied sending a "warm message" to the peer after his departure. He claimed he had no access to the messages at the time of the interview and was recalling a broader exchange.
Ministerial Ambition and Policy Scrutiny
Further unearthed messages reveal Lord Mandelson criticising the government's growth plans to Jones, who was then Chancellor Rachel Reeves' deputy at the Treasury. Jones' reply, "It doesn't fill you with confidence," underscored his apparent scepticism. Jones also sought Lord Mandelson's advice on promotion during last year's Cabinet reshuffle, sparked by Angela Rayner's resignation.
Addressing the House of Commons on Wednesday regarding the Mandelson files, Jones stated he had activated the disappearing messages feature on WhatsApp, a practice permissible under current ministerial guidance. He apologised, including to Epstein victim Lisa Phillips, for potentially treating Lord Mandelson differently due to perceived influence and power within the Labour party.
