Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner has launched a scathing attack on Downing Street officials, accusing them of deliberately leaking damaging information about ministers in what she described as a 'self-harm' strategy. The allegations come amid growing tensions within the government over internal briefings that appear designed to undermine cabinet members.
Rayner, known for her outspoken criticism of government operations, claimed these tactics were eroding trust and cohesion at the highest levels of power. 'This isn't just political gamesmanship - it's actively damaging the functioning of government,' she stated during a press conference in Westminster.
Growing Concerns Over Whitehall Culture
Political observers have noted an increasing trend of anonymous briefings emerging from No.10, often targeting specific ministers. These leaks typically appear in evening newspapers and are widely believed to originate from senior advisors close to the Prime Minister.
'When officials engage in this kind of behaviour, it creates a toxic environment where ministers are constantly looking over their shoulders,' Rayner argued. 'It distracts from the important work of government and ultimately harms the country.'
Impact on Government Stability
The controversy raises serious questions about the stability of the current administration. With multiple ministers reportedly subject to negative briefings, concerns are mounting about the long-term effects on cabinet morale and decision-making processes.
Rayner's intervention comes at a sensitive time for the government, which is facing challenges on multiple policy fronts. Her comments have reignited debates about the appropriate boundaries between political advisors and elected officials in the British system.
Downing Street has yet to issue an official response to these allegations, though sources close to the Prime Minister have dismissed them as 'political point-scoring'. However, the controversy shows no signs of abating, with several backbench MPs expressing private concerns about the briefing culture in Whitehall.
