Keir Starmer's head of communications, Steph Driver, has announced her departure from Downing Street, marking the latest exit of a trusted aide from the prime minister's team in recent months. Driver, who served as Starmer's communications chief for five years during his time as opposition leader and later as deputy director and director of communications in No 10, leaves little over a week after Paul Ovenden quit as director of political strategy.
Earlier this month, James Lyons, the No 10 director of communications for strategy, also left after just a year in the role. The departures have prompted a reshuffle of the communications operation, with Starmer bringing in Tim Allan, a former adviser to Tony Blair, as executive director of government communications, a more senior position than Driver or Lyons held.
Driver was considered particularly valued and trusted by Starmer, and it is understood the prime minister was among senior figures who tried to persuade her to stay. Her decision to go came after discussions with Starmer and chief of staff Morgan McSweeney about the new team structure, following a period of leave for a family bereavement.
Starmer praised Driver, saying: 'Steph Driver has been a loyal and valued member of my team for almost five years... I will for ever be grateful for her calm, wise counsel, leadership and humour.' Driver expressed pride in her work, stating: 'It has been an honour to work with and advise Keir through opposition and into government... His Labour government has my unwavering support.'
The repeated churn in the communications team has been linked to concerns about Downing Street's communications being a weakness for Starmer. However, a series of mishaps, including a backbench revolt over welfare changes and the dismissal of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, has led many Labour MPs to believe the more pressing issue is Starmer's lack of political judgment.
