Health Secretary Wes Streeting has denied leading a plot to oust Prime Minister Keir Starmer, calling for those briefing against him from Downing Street to be sacked. The comments widen a growing rift at the top of government, with Streeting condemning the 'self-defeating' attacks as indicative of a toxic culture inside No 10.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Streeting rebuked senior aides behind anonymous briefings, saying they prove 'there are people around the prime minister who do not follow his model and style of leadership.' He added that the attacks showed Lucy Powell was right about the culture of No 10, commending the briefer for 'picking on one of the men instead of the women in the cabinet.'
The denials come after a Guardian report that Downing Street had launched an operation to protect Starmer against a potential leadership challenge after the budget or local elections in May. Starmer'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 that the internal row distracted from the government's achievements, likening the briefings to conspiracy theories. Asked about ruling out demanding Starmer's resignation after the budget, he told Sky News: 'Yes, and nor did I shoot JFK. I don't know where Lord Lucan is, had nothing to do with Shergar.'
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 to warn off rivals, including Angela Rayner, Shabana Mahmood, and Ed Miliband.
