Leaked Messages Reveal Darren Jones Apologised to Peter Mandelson After Epstein-linked Sacking and Criticised Cabinet Colleagues

U.S. ambassador. The message read: “You’ve been doing such a great job and you worked wonders with Trump.

U.S. government. The messages between Jones and Mandelson were not included in the second set of documents on the appointment published this week.

Jones told the Commons on Wednesday that he had been unable to hand over the exchanges because he had not saved them on his phone. He said the only person who could release the messages would be Mandelson, who had refused to disclose his phone. ” The leaked messages also show Jones criticising Cabinet colleagues.

He told Mandelson “it doesn’t fill you with confidence” that growth plans rested with chancellor Rachel Reeves, then-deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and then business secretary Jonathan Reynolds. ” Jones asked Mandelson for “thoughts/advice” on a suspected Cabinet reshuffle.

He listed his preferred roles in order as DBT (Business and Trade), DSIT (Science, Innovation and Technology) or DESNZ (Energy Security and Net Zero), adding that he also liked the MoD but thought that was unlikely.

Lucy Rigby, chief secretary to the Treasury, was asked about the leaked message on Thursday. ” She added: “We've all felt frustrations in our working life at some point and sent a message to a colleague or family member where we deliberately exaggerate our feelings or otherwise. ” Sir Keir Starmer has repeatedly apologised for Mandelson’s appointment.

The Conservative Party accused the government of failing to comply fully with the humble address that required release of all documents related to the appointment. Kemi Badenoch’s spokesman said the government had not complied in full.