Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a significant internal challenge as he attempts to contain a boiling civil war within the Labour Party. The government is braced for potential revolts on two major fronts: the upcoming Hillsborough Law and controversial plans to curb the right to jury trials.
Bitter Clashes and Leadership Briefings
The simmering tensions have erupted into public view following a series of damaging briefings targeting Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Allies of the Prime Minister and Mr Streeting have been engaged in bitter clashes, with the Health Secretary's camp complaining that suggestions Sir Keir should sack him for disloyalty are 'incredibly stupid'.
Fingers have been pointed at No10 minister Darren Jones as a potential source of the briefings, although he has reportedly denied any involvement. The infighting was exacerbated by the dramatic defection of Robert Jenrick from the Conservatives to Reform UK on Thursday, which sparked a fresh wave of attacks on Mr Streeting from within Labour's own ranks.
Some insiders have suggested Sir Keir should emulate Tory minister Kemi Badenoch's strong response to disloyalty, which saw her eject Mr Jenrick from the party for plotting his switch.
Hillsborough Law Faces Crucial Vote
The government is preparing for serious trouble in a crunch vote on the Hillsborough Law, scheduled for tomorrow. The proposed Bill would impose a legal duty of candour on state officials to prevent future cover-ups like the Hillsborough disaster.
However, amendments tabled by the Government last week, which brought spies within the legislation's scope but made the duty subject to approval by the head of their service, have alarmed campaigners and many Labour MPs. They warn this creates a major loophole.
Backbench MPs have now tabled rival amendments, which are expected to attract significant support in the House of Commons, setting the stage for a possible rebellion against the government's own legislation.
Jury Trial Mutiny Gathers Pace
Parallel to the Hillsborough Law tensions, a mutiny over proposals to curb jury trials is also gathering momentum. Justice Secretary David Lammy's controversial plans are facing fierce internal opposition.
There are now claims that two ministers are prepared to resign from their posts unless Mr Lammy rethinks the proposed changes. This places Sir Keir in the difficult position of fighting to maintain party discipline on multiple, contentious policy issues simultaneously.
Defence and Divisions
In response to the turmoil, a spokesman for Wes Streeting shifted focus to health service achievements, stating: 'It's a real shame that Keir's so-called allies are briefing against Wes yet again, when they should be talking about the second biggest fall in waiting lists in 15 years, and ambulances arriving 15 minutes faster with Labour.'
The spokesman added, 'Given Reform and the Tories are at each other's throats right now, this briefing is also incredibly stupid. Wes is delivering real change in the NHS, and is out there making the case for Keir and for Labour.'
As the Prime Minister navigates these twin rebellions, the coming days will prove a critical test of his authority and his ability to unite a fractious parliamentary party behind his government's agenda.
