Downing Street's Swift Operation Secures Starmer's Position Amid Crisis
On Monday, Downing Street officials faced a critical moment as fears mounted that Prime Minister Keir Starmer might be forced out following the resignations of two senior staffers. The situation began to unfold when Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, announced an unexpected press conference, sparking concerns that he would call for Starmer's resignation and potentially trigger a wave of ministerial defections.
What ensued was a three-hour period of intense activity, with approximately ten ministers and officials at the highest levels of government engaging in a coordinated phone campaign. Their goal was to bolster Starmer's standing and prevent a leadership collapse. This effort proved successful, showcasing the Downing Street machine's ability to handle its first major test without Morgan McSweeney, Starmer's former chief of staff who had resigned just days earlier.
A Test of Resilience Without Key Leadership
The drama had been building since Friday, when McSweeney returned to Scotland after a tumultuous week. The controversy centered on his mentor, Peter Mandelson, who was under police investigation for connections to child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Throughout the week, Starmer had publicly expressed confidence in McSweeney, stating at Prime Minister's Questions that he was an essential part of the team who helped change the Labour party and win an election.
However, by the weekend, McSweeney began to question his position, influenced by the escalating Mandelson scandal. After several phone discussions with Starmer, he concluded that he lacked the necessary support to continue and decided to resign. This decision left many of his friends dismayed, accusing the prime minister of allowing McSweeney to shoulder blame for a collective decision.
The resignation was kept tightly under wraps, with Downing Street staff only learning of it moments before it was released to the press. This secrecy added to the uncertainty as officials arrived at work on Monday morning, unsure how the operation would function without its second most important figure.
Coordinated Efforts to Shore Up Support
In response to McSweeney's departure, Starmer quickly appointed his two deputies, Jill Cuthbertson and Vidhya Alakeson, as temporary replacements. However, the use of "acting" titles led to internal jostling among others eyeing the role long-term. The new team was thrust into action sooner than anticipated when Tim Allan, Starmer's director of communications, also announced his resignation, further destabilizing the situation.
As officials processed Allan's exit, attention turned to Sarwar's impending press conference. Downing Street sprang into action, with Cuthbertson and Amy Richards, Starmer's political director, leading a phone campaign to gauge ministerial loyalty. They provided cabinet members with specific talking points to express support for the prime minister, emphasizing the mandate from the recent election and the need for stability.
Key figures like Stuart Ingham, director of strategic interventions, and Sophie Nazemi, press secretary, joined the effort, while senior ministers such as Jonathan Reynolds, David Lammy, and Rachel Reeves added their weight to the operation. Simultaneously, Varun Chandra, the prime minister's business adviser, reached out to business leaders to highlight the potential economic disruption of a leadership change.
Potential Challengers Fall in Line
Concerns peaked when Wes Streeting, the health secretary and a likely successor to Starmer, was seen rushing through Portcullis House and remained silent on social media. This fueled speculation that he might resign, but it was later revealed he had been recording a podcast episode where he endorsed Starmer, stating, "Keir Starmer doesn't need to resign. Give Keir a chance."
Angela Rayner, another potential challenger, also publicly backed the prime minister, urging colleagues to unite and focus on their values. With these key figures aligning behind Starmer, the immediate threat subsided, allowing Downing Street to breathe a collective sigh of relief. The operation had not only averted a crisis but also demonstrated the team's ability to function effectively under pressure, even without its former chief of staff.
This episode underscores the volatile nature of political leadership and the importance of swift, organized responses in maintaining control. As Starmer continues to navigate challenges, the events of Monday serve as a testament to the resilience and strategic coordination within his Downing Street operation.
