Streeting's comments in The Guardian came as he released WhatsApp exchanges with Mandelson in which he discussed his re-election prospects and criticised the Government's lack of an economic growth strategy.

The health and social care secretary, who has made no secret of his ambition to one day become PM, said the Jeffrey Epstein scandal was ‘first and foremost, about the way men treat women and girls'.

‘I have seen it in the NHS I lead,' Streeting added. ‘From victims of some its worst scandals to women such as a close female relative, whose severe pain was ignored by her male doctor not once but twice until her male partner vouched for her pain. Even the NHS, founded on principles of equality, ignores women's voices and experiences.'

Streeting said he was among those ‘who stood by' in silence despite being ‘uneasy' about the appointment of Mandelson as US ambassador.

He said the scandal had highlighted the ‘absence of women's voices' at the top of Government, adding: ‘That is why diversity in leadership is so important and why we need to push back hard at those who think that equality, diversity and inclusion are tick-boxes or fringe issues. Diversity brings different perspectives to every place where power resides.'

The health and social care secretary said the scandal should be used as an opportunity for ‘real change'.