Wes Streeting Publishes Private Messages with Peter Mandelson Amid Political Turmoil
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has taken the extraordinary step of releasing private text messages exchanged with Lord Peter Mandelson, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a severe political crisis. The move comes in response to mounting scrutiny over Streeting's relationship with the Labour grandee, with the Health Secretary insisting he has "nothing to hide".
Cabinet Ministers Rally Around Keir Starmer
As the scandal engulfs the Government, cabinet ministers have united in defence of Mr Starmer. However, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has called for the Prime Minister to resign, marking a significant challenge from within the party. Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, widely viewed as a potential future leader, has offered her full support to the embattled PM.
Mr Starmer is fighting to retain the confidence of his MPs, just hours after Mr Sarwar became the most senior Labour figure to demand his departure. The situation underscores the deep divisions and pressures within the Labour Party as it grapples with internal strife.
Bombshell Messages Reveal Streeting's Concerns
In a bid to counter what he describes as "smear and innuendo", Mr Streeting has published a selection of messages shared with Lord Mandelson. The exchanges, obtained by Sky News, reveal candid discussions on a range of sensitive topics.
Key revelations from the messages include:
- Mr Streeting admitting he fears he is "toast at the next election" due to Labour's electoral challenges.
- Criticism that the government has "no growth strategy at all", highlighting concerns over economic policy.
- Strong language regarding Israel, with Streeting stating it is "committing war crimes before our eyes" and advocating for recognition of Palestine.
Context of the Relationship
In an article for the Guardian, Mr Streeting clarified the nature of his association with Lord Mandelson. He emphasised that they are not close friends but acknowledged a longstanding connection.
"We saw each other for dinner on average once a year with others. He offered advice. My partner worked for him 25 years ago and I therefore got to know Mandelson better than some of that generation in politics," Streeting wrote.
He also addressed the decision to send Mandelson to Washington as ambassador, noting that he assessed it purely on diplomatic grounds. "I filtered the news of it entirely through the lens of whether it seemed a sensible way to help our relationship with a critical ally at a crucial moment," he explained.
Transcript of Key Exchanges
The messages provide a window into private political discussions. In one exchange from March 2025, Streeting expresses alarm over electoral prospects, citing the loss of a safe ward in Redbridge to a Gaza independent candidate.
"I fear we’re in big trouble here - and I am toast at the next election. We just lost our safest ward in Redbridge (51% Muslim, Ilford S) to a Gaza independent. At this rate I don’t think we’ll hold either of the two Ilford seats," he wrote.
Another message from July 2025 delves into foreign policy, with Streeting urging action on Palestine recognition. "Morally, because Israel is committing war crimes before our eyes. Their government talks the language of ethnic cleansing... Politically, a Commons vote will be engineered in September on recognition and we will lose it if we’re not ahead of it," he argued.
Lord Mandelson responded with caution, warning that unilateral recognition could jeopardise a two-state solution. "I can see all this but I am worried that such a gesture now could blow a 2 SS out of the water if Israel decided that unilateral recognition justified further WB annexation," he replied.
Fallout and Implications
The publication of these messages intensifies the political storm surrounding the Labour government. Mr Streeting's decision to go public is seen as a defensive manoeuvre against allegations of undue influence or improper ties.
As the party navigates this crisis, the revelations underscore broader tensions within Labour over leadership, policy direction, and electoral strategy. The coming days will likely determine whether Mr Starmer can stabilise his premiership or if calls for his resignation will gain further momentum.
