Keir Starmer has criticized the “unacceptable” assaults directed at Wes Streeting following a failed attempt by No10 to quash challenges to the PM’s leadership.
In a preemptive move against a potential post-Budget uprising, supporters of the Prime Minister cautioned that Mr. Starmer would resist any efforts to remove him. However, the strategy, aimed particularly at the Health Secretary, ended up backfiring.
A conflict emerged on Wednesday as Mr. Streeting condemned the “toxic environment” in No10, with one MP likening aides to characters from the Thick of It. Mr. Starmer was compelled to disavow the attacks in the Commons on Wednesday, throwing his support behind his Health Secretary, commending him for “doing a commendable job.”
Starmer stated, “Any form of attack on a member of my Cabinet is entirely unacceptable,” emphasizing that he never authorized negative briefings against his top team. During a subsequent briefing, the PM’s political spokesperson declared, “As previously stated, any unsanctioned briefings against Cabinet Ministers will be addressed.”
The spokesperson affirmed the PM’s full confidence in his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, despite some MPs trying to attribute the briefing to him.
Mr. Streeting vehemently refuted allegations of scheming to overthrow the PM in a pre-planned media appearance before a major NHS speech. He criticized the “self-defeating” rumors circulated by those excessively engrossed in Celebrity Traitors.
“This is one of the most severe attacks on loyalty I’ve witnessed since Joe Marler’s expulsion,” he remarked. “It’s a wholly counterproductive briefing, not least because it lacks truth, and I fail to see how it aids the Prime Minister in any way.”
He attributed the issue to a “toxic culture” in Downing Street and called for the dismissal of those responsible for the briefings. Mr. Streeting pointed out, “Labeling Labour MPs as feral is unconstructive.”
The disagreement arises amid concern among MPs as Mr. Starmer grapples with improving Labour’s poll standings amidst a surge from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. It also precedes Rachel Reeves’ pivotal Budget announcement, expected to include significant tax hikes, by only two weeks.
Labour MPs expressed frustration on Wednesday over the decision to fuel speculation about Mr. Starmer’s future. A Labour MP conveyed to the Mirror, “The PM’s team is mishandling the situation, creating unnecessary chaos when we pledged stability and maturity. How can he be so sure-footed internationally and yet falter with his own MPs?”
Chair of the Labour MP Red Wall group, Jo White, warned against public infighting, cautioning MPs against playing into the hands of adversaries. She criticized those engaging in selective briefings and urged No10 to cease undermining Wes Streeting. However, a minister dismissed the briefings, advising the party to refocus on their responsibilities.