UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK PM Keir Starmer reshuffles Number 10, names Darren Jones to lead priorities, revamps communications and policy teams to tighten government control.
As reported by The Guardian, Keir Starmer reshuffles Downing Street, appointing a former Treasury deputy to tighten control over the government’s agenda.
How did Keir Starmer plan to strengthen government delivery with Darren Jones?
The Labour leader appoints Darren Jones to a senior Downing Street role as he aims to improve government delivery ahead of a challenging autumn.
The new chief secretary to the prime minister will manage day-to-day government priorities. Number 10 struggled over the summer on the economy and migration, trailing Reform UK in recent surveys.
Mr Jones’s departure leaves Rachel Reeves’s deputy post to James Murray, recently promoted from exchequer secretary. In a further move, Dan Tomlinson steps into the position, highlighting Mr Starmer’s focus on rewarding new ministers from 2024.
Downing Street sources called the changes a step in the government’s Whitehall reshaping. The Prime Minister’s office is moving toward a ‘command and control’ approach, including Mr Jones’s new role to improve government delivery.
His appointment is being seen as a signal from the Prime Minister that stronger action is needed on his agenda. Mr Jones, representing Bristol North West, is regarded as a Blairite reformer who has encouraged more ambitious policies behind the scenes.
What other changes are being made at Number 10 under Keir Starmer?
Minouche Shafik, ex-deputy governor of the Bank of England, is set to be appointed Keir Starmer’s chief economic adviser, as the government focuses on boosting UK growth and productivity.
Tim Allan, former Number 10 adviser to ex-PM Tony Blair and founder of PR firm Portland, will take on the role of executive director of government communications. His role is distinct from David Dinsmore, who works on civil service communications.
James Lyons, director of communications for strategy at No 10, is stepping down. Steph Driver will continue to manage day-to-day communications, reporting to Tim Allan.
Following internal disputes over its leadership, the Downing Street policy unit is being reshaped. Liz Lloyd, Tony Blair’s former deputy chief of staff, will depart for a new government position.
Stuart Ingham, a senior policy chief and Starmer’s longest-serving aide, will exit the Number 10 unit to join chief of staff Morgan McSweeney. Sources said his new political role will ensure the Prime Minister’s priorities are reflected in every move.
Vidhya Alakeson will oversee the policy operations unit until a new political policy chief is appointed. Sources said senior government fixer Louise Casey will not be joining Number 10 despite earlier reports.
The reshuffle highlights Mr Starmer’s Number 10 facing challenges in controlling its own narrative, increasingly responding to external crises such as summer migration issues and Reform UK’s planned response.
The return of parliament presents Mr Starmer and his team with difficult challenges, including possible tax increases and ongoing legal disputes over asylum hotels.
The changes in the communications team reflect Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s influence over the summer, though Mr Lyons had never planned to work in Downing Street long-term.
The new director of strategic communications, Mr Lyons, has a background in print journalism and previously served as communications chief at the NHS before joining TikTok.
David Dinsmore, ex-Sun editor, was named the government’s communications chief, taking on a civil service role.
Despite worries about his extended service at News UK, Mr Dinsmore will begin as permanent secretary for communications in the Cabinet Office this November.
The ongoing Number 10 shake-up started last week with the news that Nin Pandit, Mr Starmer’s senior civil service aide, will step down after a tenure of less than 10 months.
Number 10 insiders said Ms Pandit is not leaving but shifting to a policy delivery role, with Mr Starmer assuming more direct oversight. Dan York-Smith will step in as principal private secretary.
What did James Lyons say about his decision to leave Number 10?
James Lyons said,
“It was an honour to be asked to come in ‘I’m proud to have helped to get a grip on Whitehall comms after what was a difficult few first months for the Government. It wasn’t just filling the grid. Launching the Plan for Change brought focus and direction.”
He added,
“But I gave up a lot to come in, and this was never intended as a long haul. When I came back from the summer break, I told colleagues I was looking to leave by the end of the year. I’ve brought this forward to be part of the other changes.”
key details about the number of staff in Number 10
Around 400 staff work across 10, 11, and 12 Downing Street. They include civil servants and political advisers (spads). Their duties cover policy, communications, and private office work. Outsourced staff, such as cleaners and catering, are also included. Recent strikes have highlighted pay and working conditions issues.