PM's Top Aide 'Not Going Anywhere' Amid Briefing Storm
Sir Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure to dismiss his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, following allegations of anonymous briefings against Cabinet ministers. However, sources close to the Prime Minister have firmly stated that Mr McSweeney will remain in his position and had no involvement in the attacks.
The controversy erupted when unnamed Downing Street sources claimed Health Secretary Wes Streeting was plotting a bid for the Labour leadership. This prompted immediate calls for Mr McSweeney's dismissal from within party ranks.
Starmer's Firm Backing and Investigation Promise
During a visit to North Wales on Thursday 13 November 2025, Sir Keir threw his full support behind his long-standing ally. The Prime Minister told reporters he "of course" retained full confidence in Mr McSweeney while addressing the growing scandal.
"I have been assured it didn't come from Downing Street but I have been equally clear that whether it is this case or any other, I intend to deal with it," Sir Keir stated. When pressed on whether he would sack those responsible, he responded emphatically: "I will absolutely deal with anybody responsible for briefing against ministers, Cabinet ministers or any other ministers."
Sources who have spoken directly with Mr McSweeney told the BBC: "He's done absolutely nothing wrong. He's not going anywhere." They added categorically: "I can categorically say he was not involved indirectly or directly."
Ministerial Reactions and Wider Implications
Mr Streeting, who found himself at the centre of the briefing storm, dismissed the episode as "yesterday's news" and expressed little interest in the Prime Minister's investigation. The Health Secretary told PA news agency: "I don't think voters give two monkeys about what on earth is going on in the sort of Westminster village soap opera."
Instead, he redirected focus to substantive policy matters, adding: "What they do care about is, if they're on an NHS waiting list, are we getting them down?"
The internal Labour conflict comes at a challenging time for the government, with poll ratings having plummeted since Sir Keir delivered a landslide general election victory in July 2024. The unrest precedes Chancellor Rachel Reeves's upcoming November 26 budget, where the party might abandon its manifesto promise not to increase income tax.
In a separate development adding to the government's troubles, the Conservatives have called for an investigation into communications chief Tim Allan's shares in a lobbying firm. A No 10 spokesman confirmed that a rigorous process had been followed regarding Mr Allan's September appointment, noting he had waived dividend rights and would not participate in business operations while in government.
As MPs fear potential losses in English council elections and the Scottish and Welsh Parliament votes next May, the briefing scandal has exposed deeper tensions within Labour's leadership that could have significant political consequences.
