Controversy Erupts Over Anonymous Briefings Against Labour Leadership
Anonymous briefings alleged that Keir Starmer would resist removal as Labour leader and claimed that Wes Streeting planned leadership challenges, triggering significant controversy. Keir Starmer insisted on loyalty to the prime minister and called for those responsible for the briefings to be sacked. The prime minister condemned attacks on ministers as unacceptable.
Questions quickly arose about whether the prime minister had authorised, knew of, or approved the anonymous briefings. There was talk of a leak inquiry and of potential sackings at No.10 Downing Street. Government unpopularity, including that of the prime minister, was identified as a key driver behind the mudslinging and Labour's strategic calculations.
In the aftermath, ministers pressed the prime minister to dismiss those responsible. Wes Streeting denied plotting against the prime minister, and Keir Starmer apologized to Streeting with plans for further talks. Morgan McSweeney, No.10's chief of staff, became a focal point of criticism; some viewed him as instrumental to Labour's victory, while others argued that No.10 should take responsibility for the briefings. However, there was no consensus on who in No.10, if anyone, orchestrated them.
No.10 acknowledged that Streeting handled pre-arranged interviews well. The episodes contributed to a perception of a toxic and sexist environment at Downing Street, prompting calls for accountability. The prime minister is said to be incandescent and is investigating how the situation occurred.
