Revealed: ‘WesForLeader’ Website Updated on Monday Night

A website allegedly linked to Wes Streeting’s potential bid to lead the Labour party was updated on Monday night, Novara Media can reveal – yet his team denies any involvement.

In November the New Statesman reported that someone had registered a website with the address WesForLeader.com. At the time, an anonymous source close to Streeting denied the website was Streeting’s, saying: “Nothing to do with anyone around Wes. Someone’s mischief making again.” The magazine noted that this was likely to provide “no assurance” to Number 10, which was “paranoid” about a Streeting leadership bid.

The website is currently hidden behind a password. However, the sitemap, seen by Novara Media, shows that it will have pages including: Plan, about, endorsements, get-involved, donate, Scotland, Wales.

The pages have a “lastmod” tag in the code, showing that they were modified between 9:30 and 10:30pm on Monday night, as speculation mounted that the health secretary will challenge Keir Starmer. Sources close to Streeting have reported that he is likely to launch a leadership bid tomorrow.

But Streeting’s team still denies being behind the website. “It’s absolutely nothing to do with Wes,” a source told Novara Media. “It’s the oldest trick in the book”.

A logo on the website simply says “WES” in bold white capital letters on a red background.

Meanwhile, metadata gives a flavour of what the website will include.

“From a council estate to the Cabinet table,” the website says. “Learn about Wes, his journey, and why he’s running to be next leader of the party.”

Streeting’s campaign will pledge to build, “A new generation of leadership for the party and for Britain”, the website says.

Visitors to the website will get to “See who’s backing Wes for Leader: MPs, Trade Unions, councillors, and grassroots supporters across the country and joining the campaign.”

In the wake of Labour’s humiliating defeat in Wales, the WesForLeader.com website says: “Wes for Leader’s plan for Wales. Strengthening our heartland, investing in Welsh communities, and supporting the Sennedd with proper funding.”

According to the website, Streeting’s “plan for Scotland” includes “Rebuilding the party in Scotland, empowering devolution and challenging the SNP’s record on public services.”

Visitors to the website will be encouraged to “Explore the full policy platform. NHS reform, economic growth, housing, education, and climate – Wes for Leder has a plan for every part of Britain.”

His campaign will, according to the website, pledge to “help build a new generation of leadership across Britain.”

If Streeting launches his leadership bid, we’ll presumably find out whether or not the website really is nothing to do with him.