Keir Starmer has emphasized that there has been no negative briefing against Wes Streeting from Downing Street, following the recent conflict within the Labour party on Wednesday.
The Prime Minister held discussions with his top advisors on Thursday to address the situation that arose when his allies accused Wes Streeting of plotting against him.
Streeting refuted the accusations, prompting the PM to condemn all forms of briefing against ministers as “completely unacceptable.” He stated, “I want to make it clear that any briefing against ministers is completely unacceptable. This has been my stance since I took office. I have reaffirmed this to my team and ensured that no briefing against ministers originated from No. 10. I find such actions absolutely unacceptable, and I am committed to addressing any such behavior.”
When asked if he would dismiss those responsible for the briefing, he replied, “I will take action against anyone responsible for briefing against ministers, whether they are cabinet ministers or others. This is the standard I expect and will enforce.”
He expressed confidence in his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who has been implicated by some MPs in the briefing controversy.
The PM acknowledged the need to fulfill the election promises to regain support from his MPs. When questioned about the significance of the Budget and local elections for maintaining party confidence, Mr. Starmer commented, “We were elected on a platform of change, and it is essential that we deliver on that promise.”
Sources close to the PM had accused Streeting of contemplating a leadership challenge following the upcoming Budget. However, the Health Secretary dismissed these claims, accusing the PM’s supporters of attempting to undermine him.
Streeting brushed off questions about the recent attacks directed at him, labeling them as “yesterday’s news” during a visit to the Paddington Community Diagnostic Centre in Liverpool. He refrained from commenting on the future of No. 10 chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who has been linked to the fallout from efforts to deter potential leadership contenders.
In response to an apology received from the PM, the Health Secretary redirected focus to the positive developments in the NHS, highlighting improvements and achievements under the current government.
When asked directly about McSweeney, he redirected the discussion to the positive news regarding falling NHS waiting lists, suggesting that everyone, including McSweeney and Keir Starmer, would be pleased with this progress.