Keir Starmer has strongly criticized the “unacceptable” assaults on Wes Streeting following a failed attempt by No10 to fend off challenges to the PM’s leadership.
Supporters of the Prime Minister launched a preemptive strike against a potential uprising post-Budget, cautioning that Mr. Starmer would resist any bid to remove him. However, the effort, which seemed to specifically target the Health Secretary, ended in a major failure.
Conflict erupted on Wednesday as Mr. Streeting criticized the “toxic atmosphere” in 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 Parliament on Wednesday, throwing his support behind the Health Secretary, whom he praised for doing “an excellent job.”
“I find any attack on any member of my Cabinet completely unacceptable,” he stated, emphasizing that he had never authorized criticisms against his top team members. Following a briefing, the PM’s political spokesperson affirmed, “As previously indicated, any unauthorized criticism of Cabinet Ministers will be addressed.”
The spokesperson expressed the PM’s full confidence in his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, whom some MPs attempted to blame for the briefing.
Mr. Streeting vehemently denied allegations that he was scheming to overthrow the PM during a scheduled media appearance ahead of a significant speech on the NHS. He dismissed the “counterproductive” rumors as being spread by individuals excessively influenced by television shows like “Celebrity Traitors.”
Describing the situation, Mr. Streeting criticized the “toxic environment” in Downing Street and demanded the dismissal of those responsible for the briefings. He stated, “Labeling Labour MPs as feral is not constructive.”
The ongoing dispute arises as MPs express concerns about Mr. Starmer’s efforts to boost Labour’s poll ratings amid a surge from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. It coincides with Rachel Reeves’ impending crucial Budget delivery, expected to include substantial tax increases deviating from the party’s manifesto.
Labour MPs voiced frustration on Wednesday at the decision to fuel speculation about Mr. Starmer’s future. A Labour MP criticized the PM’s team, saying, “Honestly, the PM’s team is mishandling things.”
Another MP commented, “They think they are like characters from ‘The West Wing,’ but they are more like those from ‘The Thick of It.'”
Jo White, chair of the Labour MP Red Wall group, warned against public infighting, emphasizing the need for unity. She criticized No10 for targeting Wes in their briefings. However, one minister downplayed the briefings, urging the party to refocus on their duties.