Streeting Publishes Private WhatsApps with Mandelson Amid Scandal Fallout
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has taken the unprecedented step of releasing private WhatsApp messages exchanged with the disgraced former peer, Peter Mandelson, in a bid to draw a line under their controversial relationship. The messages, spanning from August 2024 to October of last year, reveal Streeting's candid fears about Labour's electoral prospects and internal government strategies, casting a stark light on the tensions within the party's upper echelons.
Election Fears and Leadership Ambitions Exposed
In the disclosed exchanges, Streeting expressed grave concerns about his political future, bluntly predicting he would be "toast at the next general election" in his Ilford North constituency. He lamented the lack of a clear growth strategy from the government, stating, "There isn't a clear answer to the question: why Labour?" and agreeing with Mandelson's critique that "the government problems do not stem from comms." These revelations come as Streeting is widely regarded as a potential leadership contender should Keir Starmer step down, adding weight to the messages' significance in the context of ongoing political manoeuvring.
Scandal and Cabinet Backing Intensify Pressure
The publication follows a scandal that erupted last week, threatening to derail Streeting's ambitions due to his close association with Mandelson. This controversy has already led to the departure of Morgan McSweeney, Starmer's chief of staff, who had advised proceeding with Mandelson's appointment. Despite this, Streeting publicly backed the embattled prime minister on Monday, aligning with the cabinet's collective support to quell speculation over Starmer's vulnerable position. He acknowledged, "It has not been the best week for the government and that's not just Keir Starmer; that's all of us because we're a team... I want him to come through it."
Personal and Political Dynamics in the Messages
The WhatsApps portray a familiar rapport between Streeting and Mandelson, with some messages ending in a kiss and Streeting complimenting "lovely photos" of Mandelson in a newspaper profile. Key exchanges include discussions on the UK's recognition of Palestine, where Streeting argued it was morally and politically necessary to follow France's lead, citing Israeli actions as war crimes. He warned of a potential "summer of angst" and ministerial resignations over the issue, highlighting the high-stakes nature of their conversations. Streeting also confirmed he will stand again in Ilford North, noting increased support from constituents, and suggested he had been "proved wrong" on the economy, citing recent growth and falling interest rates.
Streeting's Defence and Future Implications
In an article for the Guardian, Streeting clarified that he was not a "close friend" of Mandelson but refused to disavow their association, explaining the decision to publish the messages as an act of transparency. He detailed their limited interactions, such as annual dinners, and denied any influence over Mandelson's Washington appointment, framing it through the lens of international relations. Streeting emphasised, "We need to be honest about the fact that if women like Jess Phillips had been in that room when the decision was taken, Peter Mandelson would never have been sent to Washington." This move aims to mitigate the scandal's impact while positioning Streeting as a forthright figure in a turbulent political landscape.
