A fresh and intense dispute erupted between Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Downing Street on Monday night, with Streeting accusing Number 10 of engaging in hostile briefing against him while he was publicly defending Prime Minister Keir Starmer. According to Streeting's spokesman, Downing Street alleged that the Health Secretary had coordinated with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar to call for Starmer's resignation over the Peter Mandelson scandal.
Briefing War Escalates Amid Leadership Speculation
The alleged briefing occurred precisely as Streeting was conducting an interview with Sky News, during which he expressed support for the Prime Minister. Despite this outward show of loyalty, Streeting appeared to be positioning himself for a potential leadership bid by releasing private WhatsApp messages exchanged with Peter Mandelson. As political tensions mounted around Starmer last week, Streeting's name resurfaced as a possible successor, sparking a vicious briefing war with rival factions who highlighted his friendship with the now-disgraced peer.
WhatsApp Messages Reveal Critical Views
In an effort to distance himself from the controversy, Streeting provided Sky News with messages that contained scathing remarks about the Prime Minister and the Labour Party's overall direction. He criticised the government for having "no growth strategy at all" and agreed with Mandelson's assertion that "the government problems do not stem from comms," implying that the core issue lay with Starmer himself.
The messages, sent between August 2024 and October of last year, also reveal a familiar and cosy relationship between Streeting and Mandelson. At one point, Streeting praised "lovely photos" of Mandelson in a newspaper profile, and some exchanges were even signed off with a kiss. These communications underscore Streeting's fears about his political future, as he expressed concern about being "toast at the next election" and questioned Labour's clear purpose, stating, "There isn't a clear answer to the question: why Labour?"
Foreign Policy and Election Anxieties
Further messages disclosed Streeting's views on international affairs, including his belief that Israel was "committing war crimes before our eyes" and his support for the UK joining France in recognising the state of Palestine. With a majority of just 528 in his Ilford North seat, Streeting's anxieties about electoral prospects are palpable, adding to the ongoing political drama.
The WhatsApp messages were slated for release as part of the government's Mandelson Files, currently under review by the Intelligence and Security Committee. These files investigate Mandelson's failed appointment as US ambassador, complicated by his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Fractious Relations and Denials
Relations between the ambitious Streeting and Number 10 have been strained since last year, when a previous briefing row led Streeting to accuse Starmer of fostering a "toxic culture" in Downing Street. Persistent rumours of Streeting plotting to oust Starmer have prompted fellow ministers to urge the Prime Minister to "bring Wes to heel."
On Monday, Streeting's spokesman vehemently denied the coordination allegations, telling the Times, "Wes did not ask Anas to do this, he did not co-ordinate with Anas on this. Anas is the leader of the Scottish Labour Party, he is his own man, and Wes has the highest respect for him." The spokesman added that while Streeting was advocating for Starmer to present his case, Number 10 was simultaneously briefing against him, highlighting the underlying problem.
Streeting's Public Defence
In a piece for the Guardian, Streeting clarified his relationship with Mandelson, stating he was not a "close friend" but refusing to disavow their association entirely. He explained that they met for dinner about once a year with others, Mandelson offered advice, and his partner had worked for Mandelson 25 years ago, leading to a deeper acquaintance. This transparency, Streeting argued, motivated his decision to publish the messages.
Downing Street was approached for comment but has not yet responded, leaving the political landscape charged with speculation and rivalry as Labour navigates internal divisions and external pressures.
