In the messages to and from Peter Mandelson released by the health secretary Wes Streeting, the main embarrassments for Streeting are 1) his and Mandelson’s shared criticism on 28 March last year of the government’s stewardship of the economy, as per [11:33:17] Peter M: The government problems do not stem from comms [11:33:38] Wes Streeting: Quite. [11:36:06] Wes Streeting: I fear we’re in big trouble here - and I am toast at the next election. We just lost our safest ward in Redbridge (51% Muslim, Ilford S) to a Gaza independent. At this rate I don’t think we’ll hold either of the two Ilford seats. [11:39:54] Wes Streeting: There isn’t a clear answer to the question: why Labour? [11:48:44] Peter M: The government doesn’t have an economic philosophy which is then followed through in a programme of policies. [11:49:15] Wes Streeting: No growth strategy at all Neither Starmer or Reeves will be amused by Streeting’s economic critique. Many Labour MPs share it 2) Streeting’s very explicit criticism of the Israeli government, on 24 July 2025, which is held by many Labour MPs but is not the language used by Starmer [23:00:29] Wes Streeting: Israel is committing war crimes before our eyes. Their government talks the language of ethnic cleansing and I have met with our own medics out there who describe the most chilling and distressing scenes of calculated brutality against women and children. [23:12:39] Wes Streeting: This is rogue state behaviour. Let them pay the price as pariahs with sanctions applied to the state, not just a few ministers. 3) and what Fats Waller calls “kisses on the bottom” - that is the routine “Xes” as a sign off, and warm and friendly tone, between Streeting and Mandelson