Labour insiders reveal Starmer is too weak to discipline Wes Streeting after Health Secretary publishes private messages with Peter Mandelson in Westminster

Keir Starmer is facing a political headache he can’t seem to solve.

Allies of the Labour leader admit that he is “too weak” to sack Health Secretary Wes Streeting, even as tensions mount over Streeting’s decision to release private messages exchanged with former minister Peter Mandelson.

The messages, signed with a kiss, were made public amid a massive leak of documents related to Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador.

Starmer’s team is reportedly frustrated, with some describing the Prime Minister as politically wounded and unable to assert authority over a cabinet member who has now broken ranks.

Streeting Releases Messages to Distance Himself

The Health Secretary acted decisively on Monday night, releasing his private messages in an attempt to protect himself from fallout over his ties to Mandelson.

Streeting’s allies say the move was a response to whispers among leadership rivals that the messages could endanger his political ambitions once they were inevitably exposed.

The messages reportedly show candid complaints about the government’s lack of a clear growth strategy and hint at Streeting’s independent streak.

Far from damaging him, his team believes the disclosures strengthen his position, proving that his friendship with Mandelson won’t derail his leadership potential.

Warnings from Authorities and the Cabinet Office

The situation has caught the attention of Scotland Yard, which cautioned ministers against releasing private communications with Mandelson, warning it could jeopardize ongoing investigations into alleged misconduct in public office.

The Cabinet Office also issued instructions emphasizing that messages should only be shared through a formal process expected to take weeks, if not months.

Despite these warnings, Streeting’s unilateral move demonstrates his willingness to push boundaries, leaving Starmer in a politically awkward position.

Starmer Allies Admit He Lacks Strength to Act

One Starmer ally told the Financial Times bluntly: “I don’t think he can sack Wes. I don’t think he has the strength to sack anyone right now. He’s too weak.”

Another insider added that dismissing Streeting could “uncork even more political chaos,” a scenario the Prime Minister is keen to avoid.

Cabinet sources note that Streeting’s decision to release the messages without approval reflects his tendency to survive political storms by provoking colleagues.

“Classic Wes,” said one insider. “P***es off everyone to survive the day.”

Calls for Unity Amid Backstage Tensions

While Streeting’s actions have stirred controversy, senior Labour figures have called for calm.

Ed Miliband urged the Health Secretary to “move on” and focus on rallying behind the Prime Minister.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham also suggested the party should “pull in the same direction around bolder ambitions,” signaling a subtle rebuke without directly confronting Streeting.

Yet, insiders say unity may be more performative than real. MPs close to Streeting indicate he is quietly plotting to challenge Starmer, potentially targeting a leadership move after the May local elections.

Sources told The Guardian that while public appearances show solidarity, the underlying tensions remain unresolved.

What’s Next?

The coming weeks are likely to define Labour’s internal power balance.

Streeting’s willingness to challenge norms and Starmer’s apparent inability to discipline him suggest that party leadership could face further instability.

Labour MPs and observers will be watching closely for any signs of a leadership contest or open defiance within the cabinet.

Meanwhile, the public and media scrutiny on Mandelson-related leaks is unlikely to dissipate, keeping pressure on both Starmer and Streeting as they navigate this politically charged landscape.

Summary

Keir Starmer faces a dilemma as Health Secretary Wes Streeting releases private messages with Peter Mandelson amid a high-profile document leak.

Allies acknowledge Starmer is too politically weakened to sack Streeting, while the Health Secretary’s candid communications may ironically strengthen his ambitions.

Despite calls for unity from senior Labour figures, backstage plotting continues, and the party could be entering a tense period ahead of the May local elections.