'Bereft and beleaguered' - Mandelson messages reveal criticism of No 10 - BBC

Newly published messages from Lord Peter Mandelson show he and other ministers privately expressed concern about the prime minister and several Labour MPs, including blunt criticism that the government is poor at making policy. Additional messages described No 10 as 'beleaguered and bereft' and prompted minister Pat McFadden to complain publicly that meetings focus on 'who can we tax' to pay benefits, underscoring internal frustration. The disclosures form part of a wider tranche of Mandelson files and have intensified scrutiny of his appointment and Downing Street's handling of vetting and communications, increasing political pressure for greater accountability.