Keir Starmer has strongly criticized the “unacceptable” assaults directed at Wes Streeting following a failed attempt by No10 to quash challenges to the PM’s leadership.
Supporters of the Prime Minister launched a preemptive attack to counter a potential post-Budget rebellion, cautioning that Mr. Starmer would resist any effort to depose him. However, the strategy, mainly targeting the Health Secretary, ended in a spectacular failure.
A clash within the ranks emerged on Wednesday as Mr. Streeting condemned the “toxic environment” within No10, with one MP likening aides to characters from the Thick of It. Mr. Starmer was compelled to publicly distance himself from the attacks in the Commons, throwing his support behind his Health Secretary, whom he praised for doing “an excellent job.”
“I find any assault on a member of my Cabinet completely unacceptable,” he affirmed, emphasizing that he had not authorized any negative briefings against his top team. In a subsequent briefing, the PM’s political spokesperson stated, “As previously stated, any unauthorized briefings against Cabinet Ministers will be addressed.”
The spokesperson reiterated the PM’s full confidence in his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, despite some MPs attempting to attribute the briefing to him.
Mr. Streeting vehemently refuted accusations of plotting against the PM in a planned media appearance ahead of a significant NHS speech. He dismissed the “counterproductive” rumors as being perpetuated by individuals engrossed in “Celebrity Traitors.”
“This is one of the most damaging attacks on a loyal member I’ve witnessed since Joe Marler’s expulsion during the final,” he remarked. “It’s a wholly counterproductive briefing, not only because it’s false, but also because I fail to see how it benefits the Prime Minister in any way.”
Blaming a “toxic atmosphere” within Downing Street, Mr. Streeting called for the dismissal of those responsible for the negative briefings. He criticized the practice of labeling Labour MPs as feral and sabotaging team members who are actively delivering promised changes.
The dispute arises amidst concerns among MPs as Mr. Starmer grapples with improving Labour’s polling numbers amid a surge from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. It also coincides with Rachel Reeves’ imminent delivery of a pivotal Budget, expected to include significant tax increases that deviate from the party’s manifesto.
Labour MPs expressed frustration on Wednesday over the decision to fuel speculation about Mr. Starmer’s future. A Labour MP lamented the PM’s handling of the situation, questioning his leadership abilities and drawing parallels to fictional political dramas.
Jo White, chair of the Labour MP Red Wall group, cautioned against public infighting, emphasizing the need for unity during challenging times. She criticized No10 for targeting Wes Streeting and urged a return to focus on core responsibilities.
Despite the internal turmoil, one minister dismissed the briefings, urging the party members to refocus on their duties.
