Jones Praised Peter Mandelson After US Ambassador Sacking Over Epstein Links
Senior minister Darren Jones told Peter Mandelson he had performed a "great job" as the UK's ambassador to the US, according to recently surfaced messages. These exchanges, published by The Spectator, occurred on the day Mandelson was dismissed from the Washington role in autumn 2024, following further revelations regarding his association with the deceased paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Jones, now Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, previously denied sending a "warm message" to Mandelson on the day of his sacking during an April interview. However, the newly uncovered message shows Jones wrote: "You've been doing such a great job, and you worked wonders with Trump. I'm so sorry about today." A source close to Jones indicated he did not have access to these specific messages at the time of the interview and was recalling a broader conversation.
Further messages reveal Mandelson's critical view of the government's growth strategy, suggesting Chancellor Rachel Reeves, then-deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, and then-business secretary Jonathan Reynolds were responsible. Jones, then Reeves' deputy at the Treasury, replied: "It doesn't fill you with confidence." In another exchange concerning industrial policy, Jones expressed a loss of faith in Reynolds' special advisers, citing their union-aligned stance during a discussion about Port Talbot.
Jones also sought Mandelson's counsel on potential promotions during last year's Cabinet reshuffle. He expressed preferences for roles in the Department for Business and Trade, the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, or the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, noting the Ministry of Defence was "unlikely." Ultimately, Jones was appointed Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister.
Addressing the matter in the House of Commons, Jones stated he had enabled the disappearing messages feature on WhatsApp, which he claimed was compliant with ministerial guidance. He apologised for inadvertently granting Mandelson undue leeway due to perceived influence and power within the Labour party, extending this apology to Epstein victim Lisa Phillips, and committed to addressing his conduct.
