Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has apologised to Health Secretary Wes Streeting after briefings from his allies suggested No 10 feared a leadership challenge from Streeting. However, Starmer insisted he had been assured the leaks did not come from Downing Street and stood by his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney.
In a phone call with Streeting on Wednesday evening, Starmer apologised for the situation but did not commit to sacking anyone. During a video call with senior staff on Thursday, the Prime Minister stressed that 'briefings against cabinet ministers are completely unacceptable' and warned of consequences for those who fell below standards.
Labour MPs had called for McSweeney’s resignation, but a senior source described him as 'the great survivor'. Chancellor Rachel Reeves expressed confidence in McSweeney and suggested a leak inquiry, though No 10 indicated Starmer had accepted staff assurances.
Streeting is understood not to be pressing for McSweeney's departure, dismissing the row as 'yesterday’s news'. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said he believed Starmer would not have authorised personal attacks but noted briefing was a longstanding aspect of politics.
The Prime Minister, speaking from north Wales, said he would 'absolutely deal with anybody responsible for briefing against ministers'. Cabinet ministers, who had privately called for McSweeney's sacking, appeared prepared to draw a line under the affair.
