Prime Minister Keir Starmer is scrambling to keep control of his inner circle as Labour reels from a fierce internal row over damaging leaks and political infighting.
Starmer publicly expressed “full confidence” in his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, after being assured that Downing Street had no role in the wave of negative briefings targeting Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who is said to harbour leadership ambitions.
Despite his attempt to draw a line under the scandal, the fallout has only deepened. Streeting himself lashed out at No 10, accusing the team of “self-destruction” and calling on Starmer to identify and fire whoever was responsible.
McSweeney at the Heart of the Storm
The spotlight has fallen squarely on McSweeney — Starmer’s closest and most trusted strategist. Insiders say their bond is so tight that if McSweeney were forced out, Starmer’s leadership could be fatally wounded.
Party chair Anna Turley announced late Wednesday that Labour would open an inquiry into the briefings, while Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she “believed” a leak investigation was in motion.
But on a visit to North Wales, Starmer appeared to shut down that idea entirely. “Of course I have confidence in Morgan,” he told reporters. “I work closely with my whole team. Our focus is on delivering for the country.”
Familiar Words, Unlucky History
Starmer’s “votes of confidence” have not always aged well. Just weeks ago, he offered similar backing to Angela Rayner, calling her “brilliant” — only for her to resign days later over a stamp duty issue.
He also stood by Lord Mandelson after controversy over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, declaring confidence in him at PMQs. That endorsement didn’t last long either.
“Completely Unacceptable”
Speaking again in North Wales, Starmer condemned the anonymous attacks on ministers. “Any briefing against colleagues is totally unacceptable,” he said. “I’ve been assured this did not come from Downing Street, but I’ll deal firmly with anyone responsible — now or in the future.”
Pressed on whether he would sack those responsible, the PM replied bluntly: “I absolutely will. That’s the standard I’ve always set.”
Downing Street aides later denied that the remarks were part of any “whitewash,” insisting that the prime minister had made clear there would be “real consequences” if briefings were traced back to government staff.
An Awkward Apology and More Questions
Starmer reportedly phoned Streeting last night to apologise for the embarrassment, marking their first direct contact since the story exploded.
At Prime Minister’s Questions earlier in the day, Starmer flatly denied authorising any barbs aimed at his own Cabinet. “Any attack on any member of my government is unacceptable,” he insisted — though he dodged questions about McSweeney’s future.
Afterwards, a No 10 spokesperson confirmed Starmer’s confidence in his chief of staff but stressed that “unauthorised briefings will be dealt with.”
Ministers Rally Around — But Uneasily
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband was dispatched to defend the PM on breakfast TV, acknowledging that while “briefing is part of political life,” Starmer would “absolutely act” if culprits were found.
“There’s been bad behaviour here, no question,” Miliband said. “But my message is simple: let’s focus on the country, not ourselves. Turbulence comes with the territory.”
Meanwhile, Labour chair Anna Turley reiterated that the PM would investigate, adding: “This is not in his name. He’s determined to stamp it out.”
Allies Warn of Collateral Damage
While McSweeney’s influence within Labour is undisputed — he was the architect of the party’s election machine — many now believe his position is increasingly fragile. One veteran MP warned bluntly: “If Morgan goes, Keir goes.”
Rumours of internal plotting have been swirling as Labour struggles in the polls. Some allies fear that if next month’s Budget — expected to include hefty tax rises — goes down badly, a full-blown leadership crisis could erupt.
The Tory Response and Next Steps
Conservatives were quick to capitalise on Labour’s disarray, accusing Starmer of “machine-gunning his own ministers” instead of focusing on “fixing the country.”
Even Tom Baldwin, Starmer’s biographer and long-time ally, admitted that McSweeney needed to “focus on the job, not brief journalists.” Still, he maintained the PM “isn’t going anywhere.”
“He’s vital to Keir’s operation,” Baldwin told BBC Radio 4. “He’ll probably stay — but he needs to stick to what he was hired to do.”
What Comes Next?
For now, Starmer’s message is one of unity and damage control. But inside Labour, unease is growing. If this storm continues, the question may not be whether the prime minister stands by his chief of staff — but whether the party will continue to stand by him.