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Mandelson criticised Starmer’s lack of ‘verve’ and tendency to buckle under pressure

The Guardian Politics Monday 01 June 2026, 14:43 UTC By Jessica Elgot Deputy political editor 1 min read
Key Points

Criticisms revealed in major release of files relating to Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to USUK politics live – latest updatesPeter Mandelson exchanged WhatsApp messages with a senior cabinet minister criticising Keir Starmer’s lack of “verve” and tendency to buckle under pressure, suggesting the prime minister should behave in a more “Trumpian” fashion. The former US ambassador said Number 10 was “beleaguered and bereft” and that the public were “crying out for leadership”.

Criticisms revealed in major release of files relating to Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to US

Peter Mandelson exchanged WhatsApp messages with a senior cabinet minister criticising Keir Starmer’s lack of “verve” and tendency to buckle under pressure, suggesting the prime minister should behave in a more “Trumpian” fashion.

The former US ambassador said Number 10 was “beleaguered and bereft” and that the public were “crying out for leadership”.

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Mandelson (PERSON) Starmer (PERSON) USUK (ORG) WhatsApp (ORG) Keir Starmer (PERSON) Trumpian (ORG) US (LOCATION)
Originally published by The Guardian Politics Read original →

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