Health Secretary Wes Streeting has denied leading a plot to overthrow Prime Minister Keir Starmer and called for the sacking of those briefing against him from Downing Street, widening a rift at the top of government. Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Streeting condemned the 'self-defeating' attacks 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 May local elections.
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 said he was frustrated the internal row distracted from Labour's achievements and message after more than a year in office.
Asked to rule out demanding Starmer's resignation after the budget, Streeting told Sky News: 'Yes, and nor did I shoot JFK. I don't know where Lord Lucan is, had nothing to do with Shergar.' His spokesperson denied suggestions he had backing from 50 frontbenchers willing to quit if the budget landed badly.
Cabinet ministers told the Guardian that 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 Downing Street intervention as a 'stop Wes' strategy, warning off potential rivals including Angela Rayner, Shabana Mahmood, and Ed Miliband.
