Cat Neilan
@catneilan.bsky.social
Whitehall Editor for the Observer & chief investigator for BBC R4's The Naked Week. Politics, investigations and taramasalata
Pinned
McSweeney ‘asked if Mandelson US embassy role could be pa...
PM’s chief of staff sought advice on behalf of disgraced former Labour peer, senior government sources claim
observer.co.uk
Exclusive: Morgan McSweeney sought official advice about whether Mandelson could be the UK's ambassador to the US on a part-time basis
Officials “had to explain that being His Majesty’s Ambassador in Washington was a full time job… in Washington"
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Officials “had to explain that being His Majesty’s Ambassador in Washington was a full time job… in Washington"
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Reposted by Cat Neilan
INBOX: Washington Post Ukraine Correspondent Lizzie Johnson announces that she has been laid off in the middle of a below-freezing war zone without power, heat, or running water.
February 4, 2026 at 5:11 PM
INBOX: Washington Post Ukraine Correspondent Lizzie Johnson announces that she has been laid off in the middle of a below-freezing war zone without power, heat, or running water.
Reposted by Cat Neilan
I'd echo this. The mood in the last couple of hours has got *extremely* dark.
I have never seen anger like this on the Labour benches in private and in public. This is the kind of territory where things can move very fast.
February 4, 2026 at 2:11 PM
I'd echo this. The mood in the last couple of hours has got *extremely* dark.
Reposted by Cat Neilan
“Brutal” is how one Labour MP describes PMQs, saying that, unlike previous weeks when back benchers have had Starmer’s back, there was “no willing him [the PM] on” this time. Feels like a dangerous few hours for the government.
February 4, 2026 at 2:38 PM
“Brutal” is how one Labour MP describes PMQs, saying that, unlike previous weeks when back benchers have had Starmer’s back, there was “no willing him [the PM] on” this time. Feels like a dangerous few hours for the government.
And a lot of feathers were ruffled, both here and in the States, about her removal
It is worth recalling that the position of U.K. Ambassador to the US was not vacant at the time the Prime Minister chose to appoint Peter Mandelson to the role. A highly competent and respected woman was replaced.
February 4, 2026 at 2:38 PM
And a lot of feathers were ruffled, both here and in the States, about her removal
Exclusive: Morgan McSweeney sought official advice about whether Mandelson could be the UK's ambassador to the US on a part-time basis
Officials “had to explain that being His Majesty’s Ambassador in Washington was a full time job… in Washington"
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Officials “had to explain that being His Majesty’s Ambassador in Washington was a full time job… in Washington"
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
McSweeney ‘asked if Mandelson US embassy role could be pa...
PM’s chief of staff sought advice on behalf of disgraced former Labour peer, senior government sources claim
observer.co.uk
February 4, 2026 at 1:32 PM
Exclusive: Morgan McSweeney sought official advice about whether Mandelson could be the UK's ambassador to the US on a part-time basis
Officials “had to explain that being His Majesty’s Ambassador in Washington was a full time job… in Washington"
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Officials “had to explain that being His Majesty’s Ambassador in Washington was a full time job… in Washington"
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Reposted by Cat Neilan
EXC: Disgraced peer Peter Mandelson was directly involved in helping Morgan McSweeney select Labour’s parliamentary candidates ahead of the 2024 general election, a party whistleblower told The i Paper.
inews.co.uk/news/politic...
inews.co.uk/news/politic...
Mandelson was given secret spreadsheet to vet left-wing MPs in Labour power struggle
The revelation shows the extent of Mandelson’s direct involvement in the bitter battle to gain control of the party ahead of the 2024 general election
inews.co.uk
February 4, 2026 at 12:29 PM
EXC: Disgraced peer Peter Mandelson was directly involved in helping Morgan McSweeney select Labour’s parliamentary candidates ahead of the 2024 general election, a party whistleblower told The i Paper.
inews.co.uk/news/politic...
inews.co.uk/news/politic...
Reposted by Cat Neilan
In an otherwise utterly grim saga this is, I'm sorry, hilarious. Epstein, the recipient of Mandelson's leaks chides him for being indiscreet and betraying his bosses in his autobiography.
February 4, 2026 at 11:57 AM
In an otherwise utterly grim saga this is, I'm sorry, hilarious. Epstein, the recipient of Mandelson's leaks chides him for being indiscreet and betraying his bosses in his autobiography.
Keir Starmer is going further than he has done before on Mandelson
Says he "lied repeatedly" to his team and that he "regret[s] having ever appointed him"
Starmer has agreed with the King to remove Mandelson from Privy Council
Says he "lied repeatedly" to his team and that he "regret[s] having ever appointed him"
Starmer has agreed with the King to remove Mandelson from Privy Council
February 4, 2026 at 12:05 PM
Keir Starmer is going further than he has done before on Mandelson
Says he "lied repeatedly" to his team and that he "regret[s] having ever appointed him"
Starmer has agreed with the King to remove Mandelson from Privy Council
Says he "lied repeatedly" to his team and that he "regret[s] having ever appointed him"
Starmer has agreed with the King to remove Mandelson from Privy Council
Reposted by Cat Neilan
NEW: "Since @theobserveruk.bsky.social reported on the expansion of the Trump family’s business interests during the second administration, in May 2025, analysts estimate the family’s net worth has increased by several billion dollars"
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
February 3, 2026 at 10:14 AM
NEW: "Since @theobserveruk.bsky.social reported on the expansion of the Trump family’s business interests during the second administration, in May 2025, analysts estimate the family’s net worth has increased by several billion dollars"
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
Reposted by Cat Neilan
Breaking: the head of DOGE in Kent has resigned.
My impression of Matthew was that he was a decent man leading a fundamentally ill-conceived project.
My impression of Matthew was that he was a decent man leading a fundamentally ill-conceived project.
February 3, 2026 at 8:29 PM
Breaking: the head of DOGE in Kent has resigned.
My impression of Matthew was that he was a decent man leading a fundamentally ill-conceived project.
My impression of Matthew was that he was a decent man leading a fundamentally ill-conceived project.
Reposted by Cat Neilan
Times:
The Metropolitan Police is expected to announced on Tuesday evening that Mandelson is being investigated on suspicion of misconduct in public office, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The Metropolitan Police is expected to announced on Tuesday evening that Mandelson is being investigated on suspicion of misconduct in public office, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
February 3, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Times:
The Metropolitan Police is expected to announced on Tuesday evening that Mandelson is being investigated on suspicion of misconduct in public office, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The Metropolitan Police is expected to announced on Tuesday evening that Mandelson is being investigated on suspicion of misconduct in public office, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Reposted by Cat Neilan
If you just can't get enough of me talking about PornHub you can get another fix on the latest episode of The News Meeting with @catneilan.bsky.social and @serenacesareo.bsky.social @theobserveruk.bsky.social observer.co.uk/listen/the-n...
February 3, 2026 at 10:21 AM
If you just can't get enough of me talking about PornHub you can get another fix on the latest episode of The News Meeting with @catneilan.bsky.social and @serenacesareo.bsky.social @theobserveruk.bsky.social observer.co.uk/listen/the-n...
Looking back fondly on this quote Mandelson gave me last September
"I do not, and have never, lobbied government on behalf of any commercial interest," he added.
February 3, 2026 at 10:54 AM
Looking back fondly on this quote Mandelson gave me last September
Reposted by Cat Neilan
the problem with this newfound “bursary” argument aired in the Times is this:
twhen we first heard about these payments in September a person close to Mandelson said it couldn’t possibly be the case and, er, threatened to sue us
twhen we first heard about these payments in September a person close to Mandelson said it couldn’t possibly be the case and, er, threatened to sue us
February 2, 2026 at 9:31 PM
the problem with this newfound “bursary” argument aired in the Times is this:
twhen we first heard about these payments in September a person close to Mandelson said it couldn’t possibly be the case and, er, threatened to sue us
twhen we first heard about these payments in September a person close to Mandelson said it couldn’t possibly be the case and, er, threatened to sue us
Reposted by Cat Neilan
There's more.
On 31 March 2010, Lord Mandelson's principal private secretary sent him a note of a meeting between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Larry Summers, US Treasury Secretary.
Lord Mandelson forwarded it to Jeffrey Epstein five minutes later.
On 31 March 2010, Lord Mandelson's principal private secretary sent him a note of a meeting between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Larry Summers, US Treasury Secretary.
Lord Mandelson forwarded it to Jeffrey Epstein five minutes later.
February 2, 2026 at 8:30 PM
There's more.
On 31 March 2010, Lord Mandelson's principal private secretary sent him a note of a meeting between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Larry Summers, US Treasury Secretary.
Lord Mandelson forwarded it to Jeffrey Epstein five minutes later.
On 31 March 2010, Lord Mandelson's principal private secretary sent him a note of a meeting between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Larry Summers, US Treasury Secretary.
Lord Mandelson forwarded it to Jeffrey Epstein five minutes later.
Reposted by Cat Neilan
Sources tell me (as per @hzeffman.bsky.social) that John Pond who was copied into the emails forwarded to Epstein was in fact Gordon Brown - a code name for aides stored in their contacts.
Emails intended for the prime minister went directly to the disgraced financier.
Emails intended for the prime minister went directly to the disgraced financier.
February 2, 2026 at 4:45 PM
Sources tell me (as per @hzeffman.bsky.social) that John Pond who was copied into the emails forwarded to Epstein was in fact Gordon Brown - a code name for aides stored in their contacts.
Emails intended for the prime minister went directly to the disgraced financier.
Emails intended for the prime minister went directly to the disgraced financier.
Reposted by Cat Neilan
Alistair Darling and the official Treasury were always aware that investment banks had an inside track to Number 10. But the brazen nature of that inside track is rather breath-taking.
Who leaked this Number 10 discussion to Jeffrey Epstein? And are there consequences for the leaker?
It’s an internal discussion re. getting markets moving in the aftermath of the financial crisis. No doubt of great interest to Epstein and his financial market clients.
It’s an internal discussion re. getting markets moving in the aftermath of the financial crisis. No doubt of great interest to Epstein and his financial market clients.
February 2, 2026 at 10:33 AM
Alistair Darling and the official Treasury were always aware that investment banks had an inside track to Number 10. But the brazen nature of that inside track is rather breath-taking.
Reposted by Cat Neilan
Who leaked this Number 10 discussion to Jeffrey Epstein? And are there consequences for the leaker?
It’s an internal discussion re. getting markets moving in the aftermath of the financial crisis. No doubt of great interest to Epstein and his financial market clients.
It’s an internal discussion re. getting markets moving in the aftermath of the financial crisis. No doubt of great interest to Epstein and his financial market clients.
February 2, 2026 at 9:09 AM
Who leaked this Number 10 discussion to Jeffrey Epstein? And are there consequences for the leaker?
It’s an internal discussion re. getting markets moving in the aftermath of the financial crisis. No doubt of great interest to Epstein and his financial market clients.
It’s an internal discussion re. getting markets moving in the aftermath of the financial crisis. No doubt of great interest to Epstein and his financial market clients.
Reposted by Cat Neilan
New Epstein emails show Peter Mandelson secretly advising JPMorgan’s CEO on how to fight Labour’s 2009 bankers’ bonus tax - even suggesting he “mildly threaten” the Chancellor.
Mandelson was Business Secretary at the time.
A year later, he was seeking work with JPM.
Mandelson was Business Secretary at the time.
A year later, he was seeking work with JPM.
February 1, 2026 at 5:26 PM
New Epstein emails show Peter Mandelson secretly advising JPMorgan’s CEO on how to fight Labour’s 2009 bankers’ bonus tax - even suggesting he “mildly threaten” the Chancellor.
Mandelson was Business Secretary at the time.
A year later, he was seeking work with JPM.
Mandelson was Business Secretary at the time.
A year later, he was seeking work with JPM.
When it comes to Mandelson's peerage, it's not just about his Epstein links, although clearly this is the most serious issue at stake.
What he does with that privileged position is also worth considering.
Like holding 1-2-1 meetings with ministers registered as for his (ex) consultancy firm
What he does with that privileged position is also worth considering.
Like holding 1-2-1 meetings with ministers registered as for his (ex) consultancy firm
Exclusive: Peter Mandelson is facing calls for a standards investigation over a possible breach of parliamentary rules
Comes amid ongoing questions about whether the Labour peer should remain a member of the House of Lords
👇
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Comes amid ongoing questions about whether the Labour peer should remain a member of the House of Lords
👇
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Calls for Peter Mandelson to face inquiry over meeting wi...
Patrick Vallance recorded contact as with Global Counsel, the consultancy founded by Mandelson
observer.co.uk
February 1, 2026 at 10:43 PM
When it comes to Mandelson's peerage, it's not just about his Epstein links, although clearly this is the most serious issue at stake.
What he does with that privileged position is also worth considering.
Like holding 1-2-1 meetings with ministers registered as for his (ex) consultancy firm
What he does with that privileged position is also worth considering.
Like holding 1-2-1 meetings with ministers registered as for his (ex) consultancy firm
Reposted by Cat Neilan
Yesterday evening, Peter Mandelson told me "I've never owned property in Brazil and never will".
Then we discovered the Brazilian company he incorporated, "for the purpose of purchasing and selling real estate".
Thread:
Then we discovered the Brazilian company he incorporated, "for the purpose of purchasing and selling real estate".
Thread:
NEW: Previously unreported Epstein emails show Peter Mandelson discussing a Panama-linked tax avoidance structure for a £750k Rio apartment - with Epstein as his "chief life adviser".
Exclusive Tax Policy Associates report:
Exclusive Tax Policy Associates report:
February 1, 2026 at 3:10 PM
Yesterday evening, Peter Mandelson told me "I've never owned property in Brazil and never will".
Then we discovered the Brazilian company he incorporated, "for the purpose of purchasing and selling real estate".
Thread:
Then we discovered the Brazilian company he incorporated, "for the purpose of purchasing and selling real estate".
Thread:
Labour is doubling down on their claims in today's @theobserveruk.bsky.social that Polanksi could have stood in Gorton and didn't by calling him "chicken"
February 1, 2026 at 1:43 PM
Labour is doubling down on their claims in today's @theobserveruk.bsky.social that Polanksi could have stood in Gorton and didn't by calling him "chicken"
Momentum is building among backbench Labour MPs to force action on student loans
Options include 0% interest rates, raising repayment thresholds and monthly payments so students aren't forced into overdrafts
MPs said to be "spooked" by possible Reform policy offer
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Options include 0% interest rates, raising repayment thresholds and monthly payments so students aren't forced into overdrafts
MPs said to be "spooked" by possible Reform policy offer
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Young Labour MPs team up to force chancellor’s hand on st...
Backbenchers hope to overturn chancellor’s change to scheme that could burden graduates with above-inflation interest rate increases
observer.co.uk
February 1, 2026 at 7:46 AM
Momentum is building among backbench Labour MPs to force action on student loans
Options include 0% interest rates, raising repayment thresholds and monthly payments so students aren't forced into overdrafts
MPs said to be "spooked" by possible Reform policy offer
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Options include 0% interest rates, raising repayment thresholds and monthly payments so students aren't forced into overdrafts
MPs said to be "spooked" by possible Reform policy offer
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Dozens of Labour backbenchers have written to chief whip Jonny Reynolds, asking that he doesn't bring MPs back from locals campaign trail if assisted dying bill passes Lords
It's a pre-emptive strike to try to kill off the legislation once and for all
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
It's a pre-emptive strike to try to kill off the legislation once and for all
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Filibustering Lords seek to slow-talk the assisted dying ...
But a rarely used act could force a way through for legislation that has divided both houses
observer.co.uk
February 1, 2026 at 7:40 AM
Dozens of Labour backbenchers have written to chief whip Jonny Reynolds, asking that he doesn't bring MPs back from locals campaign trail if assisted dying bill passes Lords
It's a pre-emptive strike to try to kill off the legislation once and for all
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
It's a pre-emptive strike to try to kill off the legislation once and for all
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Labour claims Zack Polanski has "bottled it" in Gorton
Greens hit back at "patronising" comment - and say Polanski is "waiting for the byelection in Holborn and St Pancras, which we expect to take place later this year"
So long, progressive alliance...
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Greens hit back at "patronising" comment - and say Polanski is "waiting for the byelection in Holborn and St Pancras, which we expect to take place later this year"
So long, progressive alliance...
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Zack Polanski cowardly for not fighting byelection, Labou...
The party is on defence after decision to block Andy Burnham from standing for Gorton and Denton seat
observer.co.uk
February 1, 2026 at 7:34 AM
Labour claims Zack Polanski has "bottled it" in Gorton
Greens hit back at "patronising" comment - and say Polanski is "waiting for the byelection in Holborn and St Pancras, which we expect to take place later this year"
So long, progressive alliance...
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Greens hit back at "patronising" comment - and say Polanski is "waiting for the byelection in Holborn and St Pancras, which we expect to take place later this year"
So long, progressive alliance...
observer.co.uk/news/politic...