3 w. ago Keir Starmer clears his chief of staff over 'toxic' briefings that branded his own MPs 'feral' despite growing calls for him to be sacked

The Prime Minister cleared Morgan McSweeney without even holding an investigation after he was accused of being at the centre of a disastrous briefing operation against Wes Streeting.

Events

3 w. ago A word of warning to the hounds circling Starmer: be careful what you wish for | Martin Kettle

With this level of unpopularity, the question of the PM’s future may seem simple. But what comes next could be nastily complicatedBe absolutely clear. Keir Starmer is in very deep trouble indeed. Perhaps belatedly, he himself grasps this. His team and his ministers knew it already. His party and the public get it too. For this deeply unpopular Labour prime minister, the words approval rating are a contradiction in terms.The eruption of speculation about Starmer’s future this week may have taken people by surprise. Where did that suddenly come from? The short answer is that No 10 briefed the latest twist – that Starmer expects to face and defeat a leadership challenge – on Tuesday evening. The longer one is that the Starmer leadership issue has been steadily gaining traction and credibility among MPs since the summer. This story is not a Westminster confection. Politically, it is very real. Dismiss it at your peril.Martin Kettle is a Guardian columnist Continue reading...

Events

3 w. ago No 10 says Starmer has confidence in Morgan McSweeney after PM condemns attacks on cabinet members – UK politics live

PM’s spokesperson says he has confidence in his chief of staff after Starmer challenged over ‘toxic culture’ at Downing StreetThe No 10 briefing row is not the only story around this morning. Amy Sedghi is writing a live blog about the ongoing turmoil at the BBC and she has details of Donald Trump saying he has an “obligation” to sue the BBC.In a related development, Reform UK has pulled out of a BBC documentary about the party amid a row over the broadcaster’s editing of the Trump speech. Robyn Vintner has the story. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Keir Starmer's chief of staff branded 'toast' after toxic No 10 briefing against Wes Streeting backfires

The knives were out for Morgan McSweeney after a senior No 10 source claimed the health secretary was planning an 'imminent coup' against the Prime Minister.

Events

3 w. ago Humiliated Starmer admits No10 briefing war against Cabinet minister is 'unacceptable' as he dodges on demands to SACK chief aide Morgan McSweeney

Keir Starmer supporters made clear he will fight any leadership challenge in an extraordinary pre-emptive strike on plotters.

Politics

3 w. ago Streeting dares Starmer to SACK No10 aides behind frantic 'Traitors' coup briefing as Labour implodes ahead of PMQs showdown

Keir Starmer supporters made clear he will fight any leadership challenge in an extraordinary pre-emptive strike on plotters.

Politics

3 w. ago Labour's 'Traitors plot to topple Keir': Paranoid PM fights to uncover double

Keir Starmer supporters made clear he will fight any leadership challenge in an extraordinary pre-emptive strike on plotters.

Politics