Health Secretary Wes Streeting Removes Photos with Former Mentor Peter Mandelson
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has systematically deleted photographs featuring himself with Lord Peter Mandelson from his social media accounts, as the former Labour grandee faces a criminal investigation for allegedly leaking commercially sensitive secrets to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The disappearing images highlight Streeting's efforts to distance himself from a once-close political relationship that has turned toxic.
Deleted Photographs Reveal Close Historical Ties
The photographs, which Streeting once proudly displayed, included a 2015 image showing Mandelson campaigning in Ilford North alongside Streeting's mother, Corrina, in her kitchen. Streeting had originally captioned the photo: 'Oh, look it's my mum's new mate Peter Mandelson on the telly. Mum, a big Lefty, loved him today.' Another deleted image from the same election campaign showed Streeting with Mandelson on the campaign trail, with the caption: 'We have only gone and got Peter Mandelson out on the Ilford North campaign trail.'
Streeting, who was then just 32 and working in the charity sector, had expressed disbelief that Mandelson – one of Labour's most influential figures – would campaign for him in a marginal seat that he won from the Conservatives with a slender majority of just 589 votes. A third photograph from the 2019 general election campaign, showing Streeting canvassing with Mandelson and others, has also vanished. That image was originally captioned: 'Getting out the Ilford North constituency Labour party vote with LabourLordsUK legend Lord Mandelson.'
Political Rewriting and Personal Connections
When questioned about the disappearing images, Streeting offered a vague explanation: 'The photos have people in it that are not me,' suggesting he removed them to protect others' privacy. However, political observers view this as a transparent attempt to rewrite history. Streeting, now 43 and considered the bookmakers' favourite to be the next Labour leader, appears to be severing visible ties with Mandelson as the older man faces one of the worst political scandals in modern history.
The connection extends beyond Streeting himself. Among those in the vanished 2019 photograph is Joe Dancey, Streeting's partner and a Labour candidate in Stockton West at the last general election. Dancey, who shares a home with Streeting in Ilford and became engaged to him in 2022, has also edited his professional history. His LinkedIn profile previously stated he was 'Political assistant to Peter Mandelson, House of Commons, full-time 2001-2004,' but has been revised to remove Mandelson's name, now reading simply: 'Political assistant House of Commons full-time 2001-2004. Three years.'
Two Decades of Political Mentorship
Despite Streeting's recent efforts to erase the past, his relationship with Mandelson spans nearly twenty years. They first became close when Streeting served as president of the National Union of Students between 2008 and 2010. During this period, Mandelson was Trade Secretary in Gordon Brown's government and oversaw a major review of student loans. Although they were on opposing sides of the argument – with Streeting opposing attempts to make student loans more expensive – Mandelson recognized Streeting's political potential.
A senior Labour source revealed: 'Mandelson became the young Wes's mentor. He was his adviser, his confidant. They were close friends. Wes could not believe his luck. He had been taken under the wing of one of the cleverest Labour strategists of his generation.' Mandelson, who had been a Cabinet minister, an EU commissioner, and a confidant to both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, saw Streeting as leadership material and cultivated him as part of his network within the Labour Party.
Strategic Alliances and Political Ambition
Their alliance continued during Jeremy Corbyn's leadership between 2015 and 2020, when both men worked to diminish the influence of the hard-Left and identify potential replacements for Corbyn. Streeting and Dancey were regular attendees at a Sunday supper club hosted by Labour peer Roger Liddle, where Mandelson was also a member. The gatherings brought together ardent Remainers who championed a second Brexit referendum and admired Tony Blair's legacy.
Streeting, now Labour's most accomplished media performer, is considered the frontrunner to succeed Sir Keir Starmer if a leadership contest emerges. He privately boasts of having the backing of at least 200 of Labour's 404 MPs, many of whom are part of the 231 new MPs elected in 2024. However, these newer members are likely to be appalled by the Mandelson revelations, complicating Streeting's position.
Contradictory Public Statements
Streeting's public stance on Mandelson has shifted dramatically in recent months. In September, when photographs surfaced suggesting Mandelson was closer to Epstein than previously understood, Streeting loyally defended his friend, stating: 'Our ambassador has made it very clear he deeply regrets ever having been introduced to Epstein. But I don't think we should regard everyone as guilty by association.' Mandelson was sacked as US ambassador just days later.
More recently, Streeting has turned on his former mentor, accusing him of betraying Britain, two prime ministers, and Epstein's victims. He described Mandelson as 'stupid, irresponsible and reckless.' This reversal coincides with Streeting's apparent leadership ambitions, with Westminster insiders suggesting he has been 'not plotting but planning' a potential bid.
Unanswered Questions About Future Influence
The central question remains whether Streeting has truly severed ties with Mandelson or will continue to seek his advice discreetly. Before his fall from grace, Mandelson would have been a key adviser in any leadership campaign. As one Labour source noted: 'Be in no doubt, Wes Streeting is Peter Mandelson's choice to be the next Labour leader. Wes will not thank anyone for saying it, but that is the truth. Mandelson sees Streeting as the true keeper of the Blairite flame.'
Streeting's deletion of photographs and Dancey's editing of professional records suggest a coordinated effort to minimize visible connections to Mandelson. However, the depth of their two-decade relationship – spanning mentorship, political strategy, and personal friendship – cannot be erased as easily as social media posts. As the Epstein investigation continues to unfold, Streeting's handling of this toxic association will likely influence both his immediate political standing and his long-term leadership prospects within the Labour Party.
