Keir Starmer has emphasized that there has been no briefing against Wes Streeting from Downing Street, despite the recent controversy within the Labour party on Wednesday.
The Prime Minister addressed the issue with his top advisors on Thursday following accusations from his allies that Wes Streeting was plotting against him.
Wes Streeting refuted the claims made against him and in response, the PM condemned any briefing against ministers, stating it as “completely unacceptable.” He stated, “I have consistently maintained that briefing against ministers is unacceptable since I took office. I have reiterated this to my team, and I have been assured that no such briefing originated from No10. However, I want to make it clear that I find it entirely unacceptable, and I will address it, whether in this instance or any other.”
When asked if he would take action against those responsible for the briefing, the PM asserted, “I will absolutely hold accountable anyone found responsible for briefing against ministers, either cabinet or other ministers. That is the standard I expect and will enforce.”
He expressed confidence in his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who some MPs have implicated in the briefing controversy.
The PM acknowledged the need to fulfill the election promises to regain support from his MPs. When questioned about the importance of a successful Budget and local elections for party confidence, Mr. Starmer responded, “We were elected on a platform of change, and it is imperative that we deliver on that promise.”
Reports from sources close to the PM suggested that Mr. Streeting was considering a leadership challenge following the upcoming Budget. However, the Health Secretary dismissed these claims, alleging that the PM’s supporters were attempting to undermine him.
During a visit to the Paddington Community Diagnostic Centre in Liverpool, Mr. Streeting was repeatedly asked about the recent attacks on him, but he dismissed them as “yesterday’s news.”
He declined to comment on the future of No 10 chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, who some within the Labour party have blamed for the fallout from the alleged attempt to deter potential leadership contenders.
Regarding an apology he received from the PM, the Health Secretary redirected the focus to the positive developments in the NHS, highlighting improvements and changes being implemented by the Labour Government.
When specifically asked about Morgan McSweeney, he redirected the conversation to the positive news about the declining NHS waiting lists.
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