Health Secretary Wes Streeting has launched an extraordinary public attack on Sir Keir Starmer's Downing Street operation, demanding the Prime Minister sack aides responsible for spreading what he called "self-defeating" rumours of a leadership challenge.
Denials and Counter-Accusations
The political firestorm erupted following reports that unnamed figures within Number 10 had accused Mr Streeting of plotting to oust Sir Keir from leadership. The Health Secretary categorically denied these claims, suggesting those behind the anonymous briefings had been "watching too much Celebrity Traitors."
In a series of broadcast interviews on Wednesday 12 November 2025, Mr Streeting turned the tables on his critics. He stated the rumours showed that deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell, who had previously been a target of similar briefings, "was right about the culture in No 10."
He sarcastically added: "I would just like to commend the briefer for at least picking on one of the men instead of the women in the Cabinet."
Call for Dismissals and Wider Concerns
When pressed on whether Sir Keir should dismiss those responsible for the claims, the Health Secretary was direct. "Yes, but he's got to find them first," Mr Streeting told the BBC's Today programme. "And I wouldn't expect him to waste loads of time on this."
He suggested the anonymous briefers did not follow the Prime Minister's "model and style of leadership." The late-night briefing was reportedly part of a ploy to warn off several senior Labour figures said to be "on manoeuvres," including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.
Jo White, chairwoman of the Red Wall group of Labour MPs, supported Mr Streeting, denying any knowledge of a plot. She blamed the situation on "a group of people who think they're much cleverer than the rest of us, who spend their time selectively briefing journalists and stirring the pot."
A Pattern of Downing Street Culture
This incident echoes previous criticisms of the atmosphere within Sir Keir's team. In September, Lucy Powell was fired as Commons Leader following similar unsourced briefings against her. She had subsequently criticised the culture in Number 10, claiming it was "not receptive to different views," a key part of her successful campaign to become deputy party leader.
Despite the internal turmoil, Mr Streeting affirmed his belief that Sir Keir would lead Labour into the next election, due in 2029. He denounced the recent briefing as "totally self-defeating" and untrue, questioning how anyone considered it helpful to the Prime Minister.
