Keeping His Job: Starmer's Aide Faces No Backlash

Top Aide to PM Starmer Faces Criticism but Remains in Post

Leaks and Denials

Morgan McSweeney, the top aide to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, is staying put despite whispers of a power struggle. Rumors swirled that McSweeney was behind leaked stories targeting cabinet ministers, but sources close to him insist he had nothing to do with it. McSweeney's allies say he's done nothing wrong and isn't going anywhere.

The Drama Unfolds

The drama kicked off when journalists got tips that some ministers, like Health Secretary Wes Streeting, might be plotting against Starmer. These leaks rattled the government, but McSweeney's camp is clear: he wasn't involved, directly or otherwise.

Starmer himself said he was assured the leaks didn't come from his Downing Street team, but he made it clear he won't tolerate such behavior.

Starmer's Stance on Leaks

Starmer's tough stance on leaks hasn't stopped the chatter. Some Labour MPs are worried about McSweeney, who's facing a wave of public criticism. Meanwhile, Streeting and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband have called for the leaker to be fired.

• Streeting brushed off the drama as "silly Westminster soap opera."
• Miliband admitted it's been a rough few days.

Control and Consequences

The whole situation raises questions about how much control a prime minister really has over their team. Leaks happen, but Starmer's frustration is clear—he hates them and wants to stop them.

Miliband, who once led the Labour Party, ruled out any thoughts of challenging Starmer again. He's been there, done that, and isn't eager for a repeat.

The Focus on Governing

For now, McSweeney stays, and the focus is supposed to be on governing. But in Westminster, drama never stays buried for long.