Keir Starmer has emphasized that there has been no negative briefing against Wes Streeting from Downing Street, following the recent controversy within the Labour party. The Prime Minister addressed the issue with his top advisors on Thursday, after accusations surfaced that Wes Streeting was plotting against him.
Streeting refuted the allegations, leading the PM to condemn any form of briefing against ministers as “completely unacceptable.” He reiterated his long-held stance on this matter and affirmed his commitment to address such behavior within his team.
When questioned about taking action against those responsible for briefing against ministers, the PM asserted his intention to hold them to account. He also expressed confidence in his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who has been linked to the alleged briefing.
In light of the upcoming Budget and local elections, the PM acknowledged the need to fulfill the promised changes to regain support from his party MPs. The Health Secretary dismissed claims of a leadership challenge and accused the PM’s supporters of attempting to undermine him.
Streeting, while visiting the Paddington Community Diagnostic Centre in Liverpool, brushed off inquiries about the recent attacks against him, dismissing them as outdated news. He avoided discussing the future of Morgan McSweeney, the No 10 chief of staff, amid internal party tensions.
Regarding an apology he received from the PM, the Health Secretary redirected the conversation to the positive developments in the NHS, highlighting improvements in service delivery and patient care under the current administration. He emphasized the government’s commitment to driving change in the healthcare system.
Asked directly about McSweeney, Streeting shifted the focus back to the recent positive news about falling NHS waiting lists, indicating a united front within the party on healthcare achievements.