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Senior ministers are demanding that the prime minister take decisive action against those responsible for anonymous media briefings suggesting a leadership challenge within the government. Both Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Health Secretary Wes Streeting were named in the leaks as potential contenders, and they have now united in calling for the culprits to be identified and removed from their positions. This incident comes as Sir Keir Starmer has personally apologised to Streeting, amid reports that the prime minister is furious over the situation.
The controversy has intensified scrutiny on Morgan McSweeney, the prime minister’s chief of staff, who some senior officials accuse of being behind the briefings and fostering a problematic culture within No 10. One of Sir Keir’s allies explained to the BBC that attacks on McSweeney are effectively attacks on Starmer himself, describing the conflict as a struggle within the Labour elite rather than a typical party factional dispute. Despite the pressure, both Streeting and Miliband have refrained from openly criticising McSweeney; Streeting even acknowledged McSweeney’s contribution to Labour’s general election success during a public appearance.
Reflecting on the recent upheaval, Miliband told the BBC that the past few days have been difficult, and stressed the importance of learning from the episode. He expressed confidence the prime minister would seek to uncover and dismiss whoever was responsible for the leak. Miliband emphasized that Starmer hates leaks and internal briefings against cabinet members, but acknowledged such incidents can be difficult to prevent entirely. While some Labour MPs have speculated that Miliband might challenge the prime minister, he has firmly ruled out a return to Labour leadership, noting his prior experience has closed that chapter.
Meanwhile, despite the apology Sir Keir offered to Streeting in a brief phone call, supporters of the health secretary remain frustrated that hostile briefings against him have persisted. They argue that this divisive briefing culture is something Starmer brought with him from opposition into government. Among the dwindling number of advisers who have followed Starmer from opposition, McSweeney is the most senior figure; he has been contacted for comment but has not responded. At Prime Minister’s Questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Sir Keir for losing control over his government and questioned McSweeney’s role in No 10’s culture. Starmer defended both McSweeney and his cabinet team, underscoring that attacks on any of his colleagues are unacceptable and specifically complimenting Streeting’s performance. No 10’s press secretary stated that the briefings against Streeting originated outside the prime minister’s office and affirmed full confidence in McSweeney, though they declined to confirm whether an investigation into leaks is underway, assuring only that leaks will be “dealt with.”
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