Wes Streeting sparks fresh row with Downing Street after publishing private WhatsApp messages with Peter Mandelson in London

The political temperature in Westminster rose sharply on Monday night as Health Secretary Wes Streeting found himself at odds with Downing Street once again.

The clash came after Streeting accused government sources of briefing against him while he was publicly defending Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Downing Street, however, fired back, claiming that Streeting had been secretly coordinating with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar to push calls for Starmer to resign amid the growing Peter Mandelson controversy.

Streeting’s office dismissed the claims, insisting that no coordination took place.

The timing of the alleged briefings was particularly sensitive: they reportedly occurred while Streeting was giving an interview to Sky News, during which he openly supported the Prime Minister, highlighting the increasingly hostile atmosphere inside Labour’s corridors of power.

WhatsApp Messages Shed Light on Streeting’s Views

Adding fuel to the fire, Streeting published private WhatsApp exchanges with former Labour spin doctor Peter Mandelson.

The messages, sent between August and October last year, reveal both a personal and political rapport between the two men.

Some of the exchanges are lighthearted, including compliments on newspaper photos and messages signed off with a kiss, but others are strikingly candid.

In the messages, Streeting criticizes the government’s approach, noting that it has “no growth strategy at all,” and appears to agree with Mandelson that the root issues lie not in communication, but with leadership itself.

He also expressed concern about Labour’s long-term electoral prospects, writing that he fears being “toast at the next election” and questioning, “why Labour?”

Streeting’s messages even touch on foreign policy, with him warning that Israel was “committing war crimes before our eyes” and advocating for the UK to follow France’s lead in recognizing Palestine.

Mandelson Files and the Wider Context

The release of these messages is particularly timely, as the government is set to publish the “Mandelson Files,” an investigation by the Intelligence and Security Committee into Mandelson’s failed appointment as US ambassador.

The scandal has drawn scrutiny due to Mandelson’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, adding another layer of controversy for Labour to navigate.

Streeting’s relationship with Downing Street has been fraught for months.

Last year, a previous briefing row erupted, leading him to accuse Starmer of presiding over a “toxic culture” in his office.

Persistent rumors of Streeting harboring leadership ambitions have only intensified tensions, prompting some ministers to urge the Prime Minister to “bring Wes to heel.”

Streeting Clarifies His Position

In a statement to the Guardian, Streeting addressed the controversy directly, noting that while he is not a “close friend” of Mandelson, he is unwilling to distance himself completely from their association.

He emphasized that their interactions were limited—averaging one dinner per year with others present—and largely advisory.

He also explained that his partner had worked for Mandelson decades ago, which gave him a greater familiarity with the former spin doctor than many of his peers.

Streeting’s office also pushed back against Downing Street’s claim of coordination with Anas Sarwar.

A spokesperson told 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.”

What’s Next?

The Labour Party now faces another week of internal scrutiny as the fallout from Streeting’s messages and the Mandelson Files continues.

Analysts suggest that the Prime Minister must carefully navigate the growing unease within his ranks while addressing public concern over the Mandelson scandal.

Streeting’s position will also be under the microscope.

Observers will be watching whether he continues to publicly air grievances, or whether he shifts focus toward consolidating his role as Health Secretary—and possibly laying groundwork for future leadership speculation.

Summary

Wes Streeting’s release of private messages with Peter Mandelson has reignited tensions within Labour, drawing a sharp rebuke from Downing Street and sparking speculation about leadership ambitions.

The messages reveal frank criticisms of the government, personal camaraderie with Mandelson, and candid opinions on foreign policy, all set against the backdrop of the Mandelson Files investigation.

While Streeting insists he did not coordinate with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, the episode highlights ongoing fractures inside the party and underscores the delicate balancing act facing Prime Minister Keir Starmer.