# New Mandelson files: how embarrassing are they?

An episode of [Politics Weekly UK](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/136697472), 1 Jun 2026, 21 min.

Audio: https://flex.acast.com/audio.guim.co.uk/2026/06/01-78830-New_Mandelson_files_how_embarrassing_are_they.mp3

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

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