New Mandelson files: how embarrassing are they?

Loading player...
More than 1,000 pages of emails and WhatsApp messages have been released relating to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as the UK’s ambassador to the US. The documents show Mandelson’s criticism of Keir Starmer, and his desperation to become the Oxford University chancellor – but the controversial vetting file from when he was appointed ambassador is missing. Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey explain what these files show us. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
1 Jun English United Kingdom News

Other recent episodes

Is Andy Burnham in hot water over Manchester City?

Andy Burnham is being accused of a serious misjudgment over his comments about meetings with Manchester City’s owners. Kiran Stacey discusses the controversy after returning from a trade trip to India with the business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, and the new Greater Manchester mayor, Bev Craig, during which Stacey discovered that…
15 Oct 19 min

Was Burnham right to talk about Russian interference in Brexit?

Andy Burnham has started an almighty row by claiming that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum. He also says he wants the UK to have closer ties to the EU. The row is one of three major headaches for the prime minister ahead of his crucial budget at the…
12 Oct 24 min

Did the Zionism row lose it for Zack Polanski?

Zack Polanski has lost the Holborn and St Pancras byelection to Labour’s Sagal Abdi-Wali. Despite the Greens increasing their vote share from 2024, Polanski had the cloud of the ‘Zionism is racism’ row hanging over his head. Now there are questions over his leadership and whether he can steer the…
9 Oct 17 min

M&S Kemi: can the Tory leader win over core vote?

Kemi Badenoch has promised to ditch inheritance tax on family homes if elected as prime minister, leading to criticism that she is prioritising the rich over the poor. Plus, the pollster and UK director of More in Common, Luke Tryl, joins Pippa and Kiran to give an overview of how…
7 Oct 40 min