Keir Starmer has criticized the “unacceptable” assaults on Wes Streeting following a failed attempt by No10 to thwart challenges to the PM’s leadership.
Supporters of the Prime Minister launched a preemptive attack against a potential post-Budget rebellion, cautioning that Mr. Starmer would resist any efforts to remove him. However, the operation, seemingly aimed at the Health Secretary, ended in a spectacular failure.
A rift 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 publicly distance himself from the assaults in Parliament on Wednesday, throwing his support behind his Health Secretary, commending his performance.
He emphasized, “Any assault on a member of my Cabinet is entirely unacceptable,” asserting that he had never authorized negative briefings against his top team. Following a briefing, the PM’s political spokesperson stated, “As previously stated, any unauthorized briefings against Cabinet Ministers will be addressed.”
The spokesperson affirmed the PM’s full confidence in his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, whom some MPs sought to blame for the briefing.
Mr. Streeting vehemently refuted allegations of plotting to overthrow the PM during a planned broadcast round preceding a significant speech on the NHS. He criticized the “self-defeating” rumors propagated by individuals “obsessed with Celebrity Traitors.”
He remarked, “This is one of the most detrimental attacks on loyalty I’ve witnessed since Joe Marler was ousted and exiled in the final. It’s a completely counterproductive briefing, especially because it’s false and I fail to see how it benefits the Prime Minister in any way.”
Attributing it to a “toxic environment” in Downing Street, Mr. Streeting called for the dismissal of those behind the negative briefings. He expressed, “Labeling Labour MPs as feral is unproductive.”
He added, “Attempting to undermine a member of your own team who is not only advocating for the Government but also delivering the promised change is also counterproductive and self-destructive behavior.”
The dispute arises amidst MP concerns as Mr. Starmer grapples with boosting Labour’s polling numbers against a surge from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. It coincides with Rachel Reeves’ imminent crucial Budget, anticipated to include substantial tax increases.
Labour MPs voiced their discontent on Wednesday over enhancing Westminster chatter about Mr. Starmer’s future. A Labour MP criticized the PM’s approach, stating, “The operation is effectively preparing MPs for a daunting Budget, then jeopardizing it by needlessly targeting Wes.”
Another MP questioned the PM’s competence, contrasting his international adeptness with his ineffectiveness in managing his MPs.
Jo White, chair of the Labour MP Red Wall group, admonished MPs engaging in public disputes, cautioning against divisive behavior. She emphasized the need for unity and criticized selective briefings and pot-stirring.
She concluded, “I believe No10 is misguidedly targeting Wes with their briefings.” However, a minister dismissed the briefings, urging the party to refocus on work.