Keir Starmer is facing growing calls from Labour MPs and ministers to sack his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, following an alleged orchestrated briefing operation against Health Secretary Wes Streeting. The controversy erupted after reports emerged of a coordinated effort to undermine Streeting, seen as a potential leadership contender.
Despite the pressure, Starmer has told MPs he will not dismiss McSweeney. At a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party on Wednesday, the prime minister refused to commit to taking action against those responsible for the briefings, prompting one MP to remark that he had “lost the dressing room”. Labour chair Anna Turley later indicated there would be an investigation into the matter.
The health secretary appeared emboldened by the row, delivering a vigorous media defence and receiving praise from colleagues. At least one Labour-backing union is said to be leaning towards supporting him in the event of a leadership vacancy. Starmer has since sought to calm tensions, with sources describing private “peace talks” between the two men.
However, the episode has damaged McSweeney’s standing. One minister said: “Morgan will have to go. But it won’t save Keir.” A cabinet source added: “Consensus is forming in cabinet he’ll have to go. I am devastated about it.” Another described the briefing as a “spectacular backfire” that left Starmer weaker than before.
Downing Street has denied any direct briefing against Streeting, with a source insisting Starmer has full confidence in the health secretary. But the row has exposed internal tensions, with some MPs questioning the timing and wisdom of the operation. One strategist claimed the intention was to warn against a leadership contest, not to target Streeting specifically.
