Anonymous Briefings Stir Tensions Between Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Amid Leadership Speculation
Anonymous briefings have been circulated to journalists alleging that Keir Starmer would resist any attempt at leadership removal and that ministers, including Wes Streeting, were plotting challenges. Despite this, Keir Starmer remained loyal to the prime minister, who urged that attacks on ministers be deemed unacceptable. Both sides have wrestled over who authorised or knew about the briefings.
Questions have emerged regarding whether the prime minister authorised the briefings or was aware of them, leading to talk of a leak inquiry and possible sackings at No 10.
The broader context for these events is the persistent unpopularity of the government and Starmer's Labour, fueling ongoing leadership speculation and political maneuvering.
Morgan McSweeney, the prime minister’s chief of staff, has become a central figure of criticism and scrutiny. Though he is credited with Labour’s election success by some, there have been calls for accountability. McSweeney has not commented on these developments.
To smooth tensions, the prime minister and Wes Streeting spoke by phone, with Starmer apologising to Streeting and plans for further talks. Notably, McSweeney was not discussed during the exchange.
Some of the briefings inadvertently allowed Wes Streeting to portray Downing Street as toxic and sexist, prompting support for sacking those behind the briefings and complicating the prime minister’s messaging.
