Keir Starmer is making changes within his team at 10 Downing Street in preparation for a challenging Autumn period.
Nin Pandit, the PM’s principal private secretary responsible for managing Mr. Starmer’s team, will transition to a new position focusing on policy delivery, overseen directly by the Prime Minister. Dan York-Smith, a seasoned Treasury official, is set to replace Ms. Pandit, signaling No10’s intention to enhance economic expertise in Downing Street. It is understood that Ms. Pandit was not forced to leave, with Mr. Starmer expressing full confidence and support in her new role.
As Parliament resumes next week, the PM faces various issues, including decreasing poll numbers, an upcoming Budget, and the Labour Party’s annual conference. Government insiders stress the importance of demonstrating effective delivery on key commitments to counter the increasing popularity of Reform UK in the polls.
The establishment of a new delivery-focused role by the PM coincides with criticisms of Downing Street for lacking a clear political narrative and tangible achievements. A significant portion of Labour members advocate for a shift towards leftist ideals, while some MPs believe a more centrist or even right-leaning approach could be more effective against Reform UK.
A Labour MP commented to The Mirror on the need for No10 to refocus and clarify priorities amidst a perceived loss of messaging effectiveness within the party. The government’s emphasis on tangible results contrasts with what it deems as hollow promises from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, particularly criticizing the party’s mass deportation proposals.
Labour Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds criticized Reform UK for promoting unrealistic plans, including the proposed deportation of 600,000 individuals within five years, describing them as unattainable and divisive. Ms. Pandit’s shift to a delivery-oriented role follows the departure of two of Mr. Starmer’s key aides from No10 within the first year of the Labour government.
Mr. Starmer is reportedly considering a reshuffle of his junior ministers to replace underperforming individuals and elevate promising MPs to official roles, without anticipated changes in the Cabinet. These adjustments precede Labour’s significant annual conference in Liverpool, aiming to boost party morale after a challenging initial year in power marked by controversies and internal conflicts.
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