Wes Streeting is launching a defence of his position tonight. His allies have accused No10 of attempting to brief against him. There were claims that the Health Secretary was co-ordinating with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who called for the PM to resign today…
A No10 source tells Guido “Wes is right to be annoyed at briefing today,” adding: “There were several meetings today dedicated to ****ing him over. People are trying to find any angle to go after him, even more so than Angela.” Toxic…
Streeting is also releasing details of his private WhatsApp messages with Peter Mandelson in order to stave off attacks from opponents who claim he is tarred by the Prince of Darkness brush via his close relationship Mandelson. Also lettings Labour MPs know what his leadership positions are. Big effort underway here…
Starmer got a standing ovation from the PLP at his meeting with them tonight. Obviously…
Nigel Farage has announced he will unveil Reform’s Shadow Cabinet in a “few days’ time“. Reports emerged earlier this month that Robert Jenrick will get the Shadow Chancellor brief, with Zia Yusuf taking home affairs, and Tice getting business and energy. Before the weekend, Guido heard rumours of Suella getting education. As reported in Guido Whispers…
He added that a general election “could come more quickly” than 2027, and opened the candidate application portal this afternoon. Starmer is imploding, stranger things have happened…
Allies of Morgan McSweeney say National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell had a significant role in getting Mandelson into post as ambassador. One old Blairite helping out another…
Powell and Mandelson go back decades, having worked hand-in-glove throughout the New Labour years. Their long-running partnership includes Mandelson emailing Powell in 2002 to help arrange Tony Blair’s Downing Street meeting with Jeffrey Epstein. The full rundown of their relationship:
Tim Allen and Morgan McSweeney have resigned effectively over their close relationship to Mandelson. Could Powell be next…
Nigel Farage and his fellow Reform MPs are in in Birmingham to deliver a ‘Time for Reform’ rally. Broadcaster Jeremy Kyle is having fireside chats with each MP. Expect Farage to jump on the chaos that is embroiling Downing Street…
So far in support:
UPDATE: All covered now over space of almost one hour.
Rolling list here:
Speaking about Morgan McSweeney’s resignation, skills minister Jacqui Smith told Times Radio:
“It’s clearly not ideal but I do understand why Morgan, as he explained, decided to resign at this point. But the important thing as you say is how we both tackle what this Epstein and Mandelson scandal has identified and also how we make sure, as the prime minister is absolutely determined to, that we continue the change that the country needs and that’s what I’m focusing on this morning.”