Health Secretary Wes Streeting has denied leading a plot to overthrow Prime Minister Keir Starmer and called for those briefing against him to be sacked, widening a rift at the top of government. Streeting condemned 'self-defeating' attacks from Downing Street, saying they indicated a toxic culture inside No 10.
Streeting rebuked senior aides behind anonymous briefings, stating they proved 'there are people around the prime minister who do not follow his model and style of leadership'. He was responding to a Guardian report that Downing Street had launched an operation to protect Starmer against a potential leadership challenge after the budget or local elections in May.
Starmer's allies said he would fight any 'reckless' attempt to oust him, warning it could affect markets and international relationships. UK government borrowing costs rose on Wednesday amid speculation over a leadership challenge.
Streeting told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the attacks showed 'Lucy Powell was right about the culture of No 10'. Powell, Labour's deputy leader, has called for a culture change and criticised senior aide Morgan McSweeney. Streeting said the prime minister would likely use words 'not suitable for a family show' about the briefings, and when asked if those responsible should be sacked, he replied: 'Yes, but he's got to find them first.'
The health secretary expressed frustration that the internal row distracted from the government's achievements, likening the briefings to conspiracy theories. He denied having the backing of 50 frontbenchers willing to quit if the budget landed badly. Cabinet ministers said Streeting was one of several Labour figures seen as 'on manoeuvres' for the leadership, but none were likely to move against Starmer now, interpreting the Downing Street intervention as a 'stop Wes' strategy.
