Politics · 12 May 2026

McDonnell accuses Streeting of leadership coup attempt

Former Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell accused Health Secretary Wes Streeting of attempting a coup against Keir Starmer in a social media post on Monday. McDonnell said Streeting was acting for fear of a democratic process and warned that handing leadership to a Peter Mandelson protege would be a gift to Reform UK. The intervention came as Streeting was reported to be quietly drafting a five-pillar leadership campaign.

By BriefTea Editorial · 12 May 2026 at 11:29

Reported by Al Jazeera · How we write briefs

Get the app

More briefs

PoliticsBurnham to end indefinite jail terms by parliament's end PoliticsJames Cleverly steps down from the shadow cabinet to campaign for London mayor WorldIcelanders vote on restarting EU membership talks after 13 years PoliticsBurnham returns to parliament with budget, welfare, and cost of living challenges WorldFour EU countries advocate using Russia's frozen 210 billion euros for Ukraine PoliticsIreland will be united, says former PM Gordon Brown More politics stories → Browse all stories →