In the early 2000s, when Peter Mandelson was appointed as the UK’s EU Commissioner, he wasn’t just focusing on his official duties.
Newly released 2004 files shed light on how Mandelson, then under the spotlight after his political setbacks, secretly enlisted the Foreign Office to gather detailed information about his fellow EU commissioners.
The files reveal that this discreet operation wasn’t about political strategies but about uncovering personal details—ranging from political alliances to their personal lives.
Peter Mandelson’s Quiet Push for Information on EU Colleagues
By 2004, after being forced to resign twice from government posts, Peter Mandelson found himself offered a lifeline when Tony Blair selected him to represent Britain as the EU’s trade commissioner.
However, his interest wasn’t limited to the formal roles and responsibilities of his new colleagues.
Behind the scenes, Mandelson, known for his strategic political moves, sought to learn more about his fellow commissioners.
He requested that the Foreign Office go beyond public profiles, delving into personal backgrounds and political leanings, including any attitudes toward Britain.
Inquiries Into Colleagues’ Personal Lives and Political Affinities
The Foreign Office quickly responded to Mandelson’s request, instructing British ambassadors across Europe to gather confidential and discreet reports.
Among the information gathered, it was revealed that one of Mandelson’s Hungarian counterparts, Laszlo Kovacs, was not only a former communist but also had a controversial personal life, reportedly spending more time with his mistress—a former prostitute—than with his wife.
Similarly, reports from other European capitals offered personal details about other commissioners, including their interests, personalities, and how they viewed the UK.
The Role of Kim Darroch in the Operation and Mandelson’s Growing Influence
Kim Darroch, the senior diplomat who oversaw the collection of this information, was tasked with compiling these findings for Mandelson.
His meticulous work gave Mandelson insights into his colleagues’ lives, from the Hungarian commissioner’s complicated relationships to the Latvian commissioner’s fondness for singing.
These covert efforts to understand what “makes them tick” were aimed at providing Mandelson with a deeper understanding of his colleagues as he navigated his new role.
Mandelson’s Upcoming Role as Ambassador to the US
As Peter Mandelson prepares to take up his next high-profile role as Britain’s ambassador to the United States in the New Year, history seems to be repeating itself.
His reputation for Machiavellian tactics in politics, once earned from his behind-the-scenes operations in Brussels, will likely be put to use again.
This time, he will be discreetly navigating the complex world of US politics, drawing from his past experiences where knowledge of others’ personal and political lives could prove invaluable.