Story perspectives

Jones apologizes, admits Mandelson-Epstein link, withholds texts

6/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Darren Jones, Chief Secretary, apologized to Parliament and Epstein victims, acknowledging he benefited from his relationship with Peter Mandelson.
He exchanged undisclosed texts with former ambassador Peter Mandelson about a cabinet reshuffle, prompting release of over 1,500 pages, though some messages were unretrievable because devices changed or disappearing-message settings were used.
MPs said a security-vetting summary and messages about Mandelson’s ties to Epstein remain withheld pending a police misconduct investigation.

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Story summary

Darren Jones, Chief Secretary, apologized to Parliament and Epstein victims, acknowledging he benefited from his relationship with Peter Mandelson.
He exchanged undisclosed texts with former ambassador Peter Mandelson about a cabinet reshuffle, prompting release of over 1,500 pages, though some messages were unretrievable because devices changed or disappearing-message settings were used.
MPs said a security-vetting summary and messages about Mandelson’s ties to Epstein remain withheld pending a police misconduct investigation.