Health Secretary Wes Streeting has denied leading a plot to overthrow Prime Minister Keir Starmer and called for those briefing against him from Downing Street to be sacked, widening a rift at the top of government. Streeting condemned the “self-defeating” attacks on him, describing them as indicative of a toxic culture inside No 10.
Streeting rebuked senior aides behind anonymous briefings, saying they proved “there are people around the prime minister who do not follow his model and style of leadership.” He was responding to reports that Downing Street had launched an operation to protect Starmer against a potential leadership challenge after the budget or local elections in May.
The prime minister’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 the speculation. Streeting likened the briefings to conspiracy theories and ruled out demanding Starmer’s resignation, joking: “Nor did I shoot JFK.”
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. They interpreted the No 10 intervention as a “stop Wes” strategy to warn off rivals, including Angela Rayner, Shabana Mahmood, and Ed Miliband.
