Jones apologises for perceived influence as Mandelson texts reveal reshuffle ambitions
Undisclosed communications reported by The Spectator show Darren Jones seeking cabinet roles and consoling Peter Mandelson, who declined to hand over his own device following his dismissal over Jeffrey Epstein ties.
Darren Jones, the UK’s Chief Secretary to the Treasury, has apologised to Members of Parliament and victims of Jeffrey Epstein for potentially benefiting from his relationship with Peter Mandelson. The admission follows the revelation of undisclosed text messages between the two men, which show Jones consoling Mandelson after his dismissal as US ambassador and seeking advice on a cabinet reshuffle. Jones told MPs he believed he had treated Mandelson differently due to a perception of his influence within the Labour party, stating, “I think the answer to that is yes, I did. Have I benefited from that relationship? I think in part the answer to that is yes.”
The messages, first reported by The Spectator, detail Jones’s dissatisfaction with the government’s economic leadership prior to his move to the Cabinet Office. Writing while serving as Chief Secretary to the Treasury under Rachel Reeves, Jones expressed that he did not feel confident that former Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner were in charge of growth plans. He further stated he had “lost faith” in Reynolds’ advisers, alleging they prioritised trade union positions over HM Treasury’s stance on the Port Talbot steelworks.
In the same correspondence, Jones outlined his ambitions for a potential cabinet reshuffle. He requested advice on his next role, listing the Department for Business and Trade, energy, or technology secretary positions as his preferences. He noted that while he liked the role of Secretary of State for Defence, he considered it unlikely. Jones also criticised the perception that the Department for Business and Trade was “not firing on full cylinders,” despite acknowledging that colleagues were fond of Reynolds.
Jones told the Commons that he could not produce the messages because he had replaced his phone upon joining the Cabinet Office and deleted previous communications. He argued that only Mandelson could release the correspondence, as the former ambassador had refused to hand over his device. Mandelson was sacked last September following revelations about his close friendship with the late sex offender Epstein. The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, also reportedly sent a warm text to Mandelson upon his appointment, which was not included in the recent disclosures.
The release of government documents was prompted by a parliamentary motion demanding mass transparency regarding Mandelson’s tenure. While more than 1,500 pages were published, significant gaps remain. A nine-page summary from United Kingdom Security Vetting outlining concerns over Mandelson’s security clearance was withheld, with initial advice overruled by Olly Robbins. Additionally, messages exchanged between Mandelson and former Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney on the day of the reshuffle have not been disclosed, pending the outcome of a police investigation into Mandelson for misconduct in public office.