Juan Lobato, the leader of the Socialist Party in Madrid, is facing intense scrutiny and pressure from within his party.

Despite calls for his resignation, Lobato remains steadfast, defending his actions amidst accusations of mishandling sensitive information.

The controversy centers around Lobato's decision to notarize WhatsApp messages exchanged with a Moncloa official, which he claims prove the information he received was from media sources, not a government leak.

This move has sparked internal party tensions, with some members viewing it as a sign of distrust towards his own party.

Lobato, however, insists he is a victim of a 'lynching' by party leaders and has refused to step down, leaving his future leadership in the hands of party members who will decide in early 2025. The situation has escalated with Lobato being summoned as a witness by the Supreme Court, further complicating the political landscape for the Socialists in Madrid.