Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has apologized to Health Secretary Wes Streeting for internal briefings against him and promised to investigate their source. The move follows a bitter clash within the Labour Party over claims Streeting was plotting a leadership challenge.
Starmer told MPs he had «never authorised attacks» on Cabinet ministers and called any such briefings «completely unacceptable». Labour chairwoman Anna Turley confirmed the Prime Minister would take action, telling ITV: «He is going to investigate and we'll see what happens as a consequence of that. [...] This is not in his name. This is not what he wants to see and he's determined to drive it out.»
Streeting responded forcefully to the briefings, criticizing a «toxic culture» within the No 10 operation. He told Sky News the briefings were «totally self-defeating» and «not true», adding: «I don't understand how anyone thinks it's helpful to the Prime Minister either.» When asked on BBC Radio 4's Today whether those responsible should be sacked, Streeting replied: «Yes. But he's got to find them first and I wouldn't expect him to waste loads of time on this.»
Reactions and Consequences
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage seized on the turmoil, declaring Starmer «toast» on his GB News show. He warned the Prime Minister was in «very real trouble» and drew parallels to the beginning of Boris Johnson's downfall. «There are elements of what we saw over the last 24 hours that reminded me ever so slightly of the beginning of the rebellion against Boris Johnson», Farage said.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch accused the government of descending into «civil war» during Prime Minister's Questions. Unnamed Labour MPs told PA news agency there was «clearly a cultural problem», with one saying «whoever thought it was clever wants shooting».
Background and Context
The internal conflict comes as Labour's poll ratings have plummeted since their landslide general election victory in July 2024. The party faces crucial elections next May for English councils and the Scottish and Welsh parliaments, with MPs fearing poor results. Chancellor Rachel Reeves will present her Budget later this month, adding to pressure on the government.
A leadership challenge against Starmer would require public support from 20% of Labour MPs - currently 80 nominations. However, some MPs dismissed such speculation as «very premature», telling PA news agency: «Everyone needs to get on with the job.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
