Starmer forced to surrender Mandelson files after internal Labour revolt

S ir Keir Starmer has suffered a bruising parliamentary defeat at the hands of his own party on Wednesday evening, as a binding motion forced the government to release secret files concerning Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US Ambassador.

The Prime Minister had initially sought to block the disclosure of documents on the grounds of “national security,” but he was forced into a last-minute retreat after prominent figures like Angela Rayner signalled they would join a Conservative-led rebellion. The sense of fury across the Labour movement follows revelations that Mandelson may have shared sensitive tax plans with Jeffrey Epstein while serving in the Brown government.

The crisis has moved beyond the halls of Westminster and into the realm of criminal law. The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are investigating Mandelson for alleged “misconduct in public office,” focusing on a 2009 memo detailing £20 billion in planned asset sales.