Politics · 10 February 2026
Ministers banned from publishing Mandelson messages after Streeting leaks texts
Downing Street orders ministers to withhold private Peter Mandelson messages after Health Secretary Wes Streeting leaked his own exchanges. Streeting’s communications, originating in December 2024, show messages from March 2025 indicating his concern that he is doomed at the polls and his criticism of the administration's "no growth strategy." The directive follows Mandelson’s resignation over Jeffrey Epstein links and an active Metropolitan Police misconduct investigation, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer fights intense resignation demands.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs