UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK PM Sir Keir Starmer says Number 10 briefings against ministers “unacceptable” and backs Health Secretary Wes Streeting amid cabinet tensions.
As reported by The Guardian, Sir Keir Starmer condemned internal Downing Street leaks as “completely unacceptable,” aiming to repair tensions at the top of government.
What did Keir Starmer say about attacks on his Cabinet?
During PMQs, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch challenged the Prime Minister after he defended Health Secretary Wes Streeting amid reports of a No 10 pre-emptive move ahead of a potential leadership bid.
Keir Starmer faced claims from Ms Badenoch that he had
“lost control of his government”
and was pressed to confirm confidence in chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, but he failed to answer directly.
Reports indicate Downing Street has launched a plan to protect Prime Minister Starmer from a possible leadership challenge by Streeting after the upcoming budget or May elections.
Ms Badenoch started the Prime Minister’s questions session by asking,
“This morning on the BBC, the health secretary said there is a toxic culture in Downing Street that needs to change. He’s right, isn’t he?”
The prime minister responded,
“My focus, each and every day, is on rebuilding and renewing our country. Let me be absolutely clear: any attack on any member of my cabinet is completely unacceptable.”
Mr Starmer highlighted Streeting’s achievements, saying,
“He is doing a great job, as is all of my cabinet.”
He stated,
“In relation to the Health Secretary, he promised before the election that in the first year of a Labour Government we’d deliver two million extra appointments. We didn’t deliver two million or three or four we delivered five million extra appointments.”
In response to questions on Mr McSweeney, the prime minister said he was “absolutely focused on delivering,” alongside his entire team.
He said,
“Let me be clear, I have never authorised attacks on cabinet members. I appointed them to their posts because they’re the best people to carry out their jobs.”
The Tory leader attacked the prime minister over unemployment and the economy, but steered the discussion back to the turmoil inside Number 10.
She concluded her questions by saying,
“Isn’t it the case that this prime minister has lost control of his government, he has lost the confidence of his party and lost the trust of the British people.”
The prime minister replied,
“They [the Conservatives] broke the economy and now they’ve got this unserious idea that they can find £47bn of cuts, without saying where they’re going to come from. Meanwhile, we’re rebuilding the country.”
He added,
“This is a united team and we are delivering together. Look what we’re doing. The fastest growth in the G7, five interest rate cuts, trade deals with the EU, the US and India, all of which they opposed, we delivered. And I can update the House.
The Bank of England has upgraded growth today, we have secured £230 billion of private investment.”
What did Wes Streeting say about Number 10’s briefings against him?
Wes Streeting denied plotting to oust the prime minister, calling for officials briefing against him to be sacked, amid ongoing tensions in No 10.
The health secretary called Downing Street’s attacks “self-defeating,” saying they revealed a toxic culture inside Number 10.
Mr Streeting condemned the aides behind the secret briefings, noting they failed to follow the prime minister’s leadership approach.
He said the attacks on him proved that
“Lucy Powell was right about the culture of No 10 and I would just like to commend the briefer on at least picking on one of the men instead of the women in the cabinet.”
At an October reception, Labour deputy leader Ms Powell slammed the prime minister’s top aide, Morgan McSweeney, and called for cultural change after facing hostile briefings.
Mr Streeting said on Wednesday,
“I can tell you without having even spoken to the prime minister what he thinks of briefing, what his reaction will be to the front pages and the broadcast bulletins overnight and the words I’m sure he would use are not suitable for a family show.”
He stated,
“I don’t understand how anyone thinks it’s helpful to the prime minister either to suggest that he’s fighting for his job.”
The health secretary added,
“These sorts of Westminster bubble process stories, boys getting carried away, these are the things that distract from our ability to get across the message of the change we’re making, the difference we’re making.”
What did Labour insiders say about Streeting and leadership manoeuvres?
According to ministers, Wes Streeting is among Labour figures “on manoeuvres” for leadership, though none are expected to challenge Keir Starmer at present.
Cabinet insiders said the Downing Street “stop Wes” move was aimed at deterring potential leadership contenders, including Angela Rayner, Shabana Mahmood, and Ed Miliband.
Labour leadership challengers can trigger a contest with backing from 20% of MPs, requiring 80 nominations. Party members and affiliates, including trade unions, vote in the ballot.
How can Keir Starmer be removed as prime minister?
Sir Keir Starmer can be removed as PM if the House of Commons passes a vote of no confidence in his government; it could lead to his resignation or a new general election.
Another possible way is through internal Labour Party rules, which allow for a leadership challenge. MPs or party members can trigger a contest to replace him as Labour leader, which would effectively remove him as Prime Minister if he loses.