All it’s good to find out about declare Mandelson backs Streeting bid as ‘revenge on Starmer’

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Wes Streeting’s allies say cabinet ministers will demand PM Keir Starmer quits later today, but one senior Labour MP claims the “coup” being led by the Health Secretary is backed by Lord Mandelson

• Health Secretary Wes Streeting is plotting to oust Sir Keir Starmer as PM with backing from disgraced Lord Peter Mandelson as “revenge” for losing his job, Labour MP John McDonnell has claimed.
• McDonnell made the bombshell accusation after Streeting told pals he was ready to quit the cabinet and mount a leadership challenge.
• The veteran left-winger suggested Mandelson and Sir Keir’s sacked chief-of-staff Morgan McSweeney were plotting revenge.
• He wrote on X: “Wes Streeting owes his political status to the support he’s received over years from Peter Mandelson and Morgan McSweeney at Labour Together.”
• Streeting has distanced himself from Mandelson since he was sacked as US ambassador after revelations about his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The Health Secretary vowed earlier this year he would never speak to Mandelson again.
• McDonnell accused Streeting of launching a “coup” and said: “Instead Wes Streeting has launched coup for fear of a democratic process and whilst candidates are blocked.”
• Streeting released private messages with Mandelson to insist they weren’t close friends, including texts where he said he thinks he is “toast” at the next election. The messages showed occasional friendly exchanges, including kisses marked with “x”.
• A spokesman for Lord Mandelson has been contacted for comment.
• READ THE FULL STORY: Wes Streeting’s leadership bid ‘backed by Mandelson as revenge on Starmer’, MP claims