Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure over the future of his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, after a briefing war erupted within Downing Street. The prime minister dodged a question from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch at PMQs about whether he had full confidence in McSweeney, though his press secretary later confirmed he did.
Ministers and Labour MPs have blamed McSweeney for a pre-emptive operation targeting Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who has reacted with fury. Streeting denied any leadership plotting and described the attacks as indicative of a toxic culture inside No 10.
At PMQs, Badenoch asked Starmer if he had lost control of his government. Starmer condemned any briefings against cabinet ministers as “completely unacceptable” and praised Streeting’s record. He added that he had never authorised attacks on cabinet members.
Downing Street later said any unauthorised briefing would be dealt with. The Guardian reported that No 10 launched an operation to protect Starmer from a potential leadership challenge after the budget or local elections. Starmer’s allies warned that any attempt to oust him would be reckless and affect markets.
Streeting told the BBC that Lucy Powell, the deputy leader, was right about the culture in No 10. Powell has criticised McSweeney for negative briefings. Starmer’s press secretary reiterated his commitment to serve at the next election and focus on national renewal.
