Health Secretary Wes Streeting has denied leading a plot to oust Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, calling for those briefing against him from Downing Street to be sacked. The denial widens an extraordinary rift at the top of government, with Streeting condemning the “self-defeating” attacks as indicative of a toxic culture inside Number 10.
Streeting rebuked senior aides behind anonymous briefings, saying they proved “there are people around the prime minister who do not follow his model and style of leadership”. His comments followed a Guardian report that Downing Street had launched an operation to protect Starmer against a leadership challenge his allies believe could come from the Ilford North MP after the budget or May local elections.
The prime minister’s closest allies said he would fight any “reckless” attempt to oust him, warning it would affect markets and international relationships. UK government borrowing costs rose in early trading on Wednesday amid the speculation. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Streeting said the attacks showed that “Lucy Powell was right about the culture of No 10”. Powell, the deputy leader, has called for a culture change and criticised senior aide Morgan McSweeney.
Streeting said he was frustrated the internal row distracted from the government’s achievements. He likened the briefings to conspiracy theories and ruled out demanding Starmer’s resignation after the budget. His spokesperson denied suggestions he had the backing of 50 frontbenchers willing to quit. Cabinet ministers told the Guardian Streeting was one of several Labour figures seen as “on manoeuvres” for the leadership, but none were likely to move against Starmer now.
