Why the Mandelson files matter for Starmer's future

Why the Mandelson files matter for Starmer's future

Author: Sky News March 13, 2026 Duration: 50:14

Keir Starmer has already admitted appointing Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador was a mistake. But after the first batch of documents was released, Beth, Ruth and Harriet ask the big question: we still don’t know how big that ‘mistake’ it was – could it get worse with what is yet to come out about what the Prime Minister knew about Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein?

In this episode we break down:

  1. What’s in the first tranche of documents around Peter Mandelson’s appointmnet (and what’s still missing)
  2. The red flags raised before Mandelson was appointed and why the process looks so rushed
  3. What “developed vetting” actually is, and why it could become the key detail
  4. The growing political risk for Starmer, including questions around what was said in the Commons

Peter Mandelson has consistently denied any criminal wrongdoing and he is cooperating with the police investigation.

Plus, a powerful moment in Parliament this week as Labour MPs Charlotte Nichols and Natalie Fleet speak about their own experiences as victims. How do their stories feed into the government’s legal reforms? And what would the plans mean for justice, juries and the courts backlog?

Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.


Three formidable figures from the heart of British politics-Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson, and Harriet Harman-sit down together each week for a conversation that cuts through the noise. This isn't a staged debate, but a frank, often surprising look behind the curtain of power. In Electoral Dysfunction, brought to you by Sky News, they apply their combined decades of frontline experience to dissect the real motives, the unspoken strategies, and the personal ambitions driving the headlines. You’ll hear them parse the language of politicians, questioning not just what is said but the meaning lurking between the lines. The core of this podcast is its unique dynamic: a blend of insider insight from across the political spectrum that identifies who is gaining ground and who, truly, is struggling with their own electoral dysfunction. It’s a masterclass in understanding the mechanics of politics, from policy to personality. Each episode feels like you’re eavesdropping on a private, knowledgeable discussion that makes sense of the week’s events in Westminster and across the country, offering clarity where there is often only confusion. For anyone trying to navigate the complexities of modern political life, this series provides an essential and deeply informed perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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