UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Labour MPs criticized briefings targeting female ministers, with growing concerns over the lack of effective support within the Cabinet.
As reported by The Guardian, during last week’s cabinet meeting, a female minister directly raised concerns with Keir Starmer about the leaks and briefings directed at women around the table.
What did Keir Starmer say about briefings targeting female ministers?
In response to the leaks, Keir Starmer expressed concerns and warned of consequences if the briefings didn’t stop.
The directive from the Labour leader came after weeks of unrest among female ministers. They have been at the forefront of controversial issues, including welfare cuts, immigration policies, and education reforms.
Which female ministers are being targeted by leaks in Starmer’s cabinet?
The women named in the briefings included:
- Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary
- Liz Kendall, Work and Pensions Secretary
- Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary
Female MPs criticize gendered blame in government
A group of female Labour MPs expressed concern that female cabinet ministers are bearing the brunt of the blame for the government’s challenges. There is less sympathy for Chancellor Rachel Reeves due to anger over her handling of Treasury spending cuts and welfare.
Do new MPs want a female successor to Starmer?
Some new MPs have expressed a strong belief that Labour’s next leader should be a woman, with growing frustration over what they see as efforts to position Wes Streeting as Starmer’s successor.
One minister said, “Cabinet no longer feels like a safe space for genuine debate,” although some insiders pointed out that sensitive details like defence spending have remained secure from leaks.
What did allies say about Wes Streeting’s role in the cabinet?
Allies of the health secretary rejected accusations of being behind briefings, highlighting Wes Streeting’s long-standing and close relationships with Rachel Reeves and Phillipson.
One ally stated,
“Keir has given Wes the chance to save the NHS that saved his life. It’s a seven-day-a-week job and he’s completely focused on that.”
Who is behind the briefings targeting key female Labour ministers?
Some insiders in Whitehall and Parliament believe that the ongoing negative briefings are being fueled by aides in Number 10 or the Treasury. They have reportedly targeted ministers like Liz Kendall, who has faced internal struggles over welfare cuts and job program funding, Ms. Phillipson, who has faced criticism over academy changes, and Ms. Rayner, who has become a target due to political differences.
Why is Wes Streeting’s popularity among Labour members so low despite his media prominence?
Wes Streeting has become a dominant media figure for Number 10, whether speaking on his health brief or criticizing the Tories and Reform. In the Runcorn by-election, he accused Nigel Farage and Reform of trying to “dismantle our NHS from top to bottom.”
Despite his media presence and NHS responsibility, he should be popular, but a Labour poll reveals he’s one of the least favoured figures, ranking just above Liz Kendall, Rachel Reeves, and Richard Hermer.
Keir Starmer’s media strategist quits after nine months
Matthew Doyle, Keir Starmer’s director of communications, resigned after spending nine months in Number 10. His departure follows that of Sue Gray, who left as Starmer’s chief of staff last autumn.
In an email to his Number 10 team, Doyle wrote,
“When I started working for Keir four years ago, not many people thought we could win a general election and certainly not in the emphatic way we did. That was down to the hard work and determination of so many people and, of course, Keir’s leadership.”
After Labour’s defeat in the Hartlepool by-election in May 2021, he was assigned to lead communications to strengthen Starmer’s position.