Starmer may face more resignations after release of Mandelson WhatsApp messages, say sources

"With officials bracing for the subsequent releases expected to include informal communications alongside formal messages like those in the first batch Starmer apologised again on Thursday over his handling of Mandelson's appointment, saying: It was me that made a mistake, and it's me that makes the apology to the victims of [Jeffrey] Epstein, and I do that."

"Officials believe some of the exchanges to be released in the next tranche of Mandelson files will be damaging enough to lead to further departures. All senior ministers, civil servants and special advisers have been asked to have their phone messages examined, including those no longer in government, such as the former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, the prime minister's former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and former communications director Matthew Doyle."

"The former Labour peer has since been arrested after emails from the US Department of Justice's Epstein files revealed he forwarded confidential information to Epstein while he was the business secretary in Gordon Brown's government."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces potential additional ministerial resignations following the expected release of further Peter Mandelson files containing informal WhatsApp messages. The disclosures, expected within several weeks, will be examined by the intelligence and security committee before publication on national security grounds. Starmer has apologized for his handling of Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador, which ended after nine months due to revealed ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson was subsequently arrested after emails showed he forwarded confidential information to Epstein while serving as business secretary. Officials believe some exchanges in the next tranche will be damaging enough to trigger further departures. Communications from current and former senior ministers, civil servants, and advisers, including Angela Rayner and Morgan McSweeney, are being examined.

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