A cache of documents published by Peter Mandelson has inadvertently exposed deep-seated rifts and doubts within the Labour party, sparking concern among party leaders and fuelling speculation about the future of the party.
The documents, made public this week, were initially intended to shed light on what ministers knew about Mandelson's links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
However, the files have instead revealed a culture of infighting and party divisions, with senior figures at odds over key policy issues and personal relationships.
One email, dated 18 November 2024, shows Mandelson writing to Foreign Secretary David Lammy, promising to ensure that Lammy would 'never regret' appointing him as ambassador to Washington.
The email appears to have been written in response to speculation about Mandelson's potential appointment, which was reportedly being considered by the Labour leadership at the time.
The Labour party has faced intense scrutiny in recent months, with critics accusing the party of being out of touch with ordinary voters and struggling to recover from a series of high-profile scandals.
The revelation of internal divisions and doubts within the party is likely to fuel these criticisms, raising questions about the party's ability to present a united front in the run-up to a general election.