A ‘fake’ plot spread by Downing Street to boost Starmer turns against him and threatens his leadership

Let us remember that Premiere Britain was forced to abandon its cuts agenda at the start of the year to quell an internal revolt, as the Corbynista faction in the Labor Party split in September to form a new party, and in the same month its ambassador to Washington resigned in handcuffs. Peter Mandelsonlinked to the deceased homosexual Jeffrey Epsteinand him Number two, Angela RaynerIt included a corruption scandal in the purchase of a house.

But what happened this week revealed his weakness on all fronts. No 10 Downing Street said during a press conference on Tuesday that Starmer would face any challenge to his leadership.

The Prime Minister’s entourage also leaked that the Minister of Health, Wes StreetingHe successfully persuaded fifty Labor MPs to resign if the government did not deliver on the budgets and Starmer did not resign from office. A complete plot to seize power from him.

There was only one problem. This conspiracy never existed.

Stretching himself and his allies denied on Wednesday that they were planning to oust Starmer. The Health Secretary explained that this was nothing more than a typical leak of Downing Street’s “toxic culture” which, in addition, was “completely counterproductive” given its untruth.

But Streeting ruled out that those responsible for the leak were speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister. In a phone call on Wednesday evening, Starmer apologized “for the situation” he was involved in.

Many Labor Party representatives, according to what was published in the British press, considered that the leak fully reflects the “bunker mentality” that guides the actions of Starmer’s inner circle. There are many party members who attribute responsibility for what happened to their chief of staff. Morgan McSweeneythe architect of the landslide electoral victory on July 4, 2024. These representatives are not only referring to him, they are also demanding the Speaker of the House. spin doctor Irish.

Despite promising to “deal with anyone responsible for leaking (information) against ministers”, Starmer remains convinced that McSweeney is not responsible. However, the Prime Minister opened an internal investigation to determine responsibilities, he confirmed Anna TurleyChairman of the Labor Party.

The current Energy Security Minister confirmed: “I have spoken to Kerr before about these kind of leaks that happen, and as he always says, if he finds the person he will get rid of him. I am quite sure he will do that.” Ed Milibandthe protagonist of the historic defeat of the Labor Party against the Conservatives David Cameron In the 2015 parliamentary elections.

“I hate the culture of leaks,” concluded Starmer, who formerly led the Labor Party. “But it’s an old side of politics. As I said, I was there between Blair and Brown… So, unfortunately, these things happen, but the important thing is to stay focused on the task.” Sky News.

The British press quotes a Cabinet member as admitting that “if the campaign was coordinated to strengthen the Prime Minister’s power, it had the opposite effect; it failed miserably.” The same source adds: “I don’t see how Morgan (McSweeney) can survive when Kerr ends up in a weaker position than before.”

However, Downing Street’s growing distrust of Streeting’s character is justified by another section of the party. The head of the Ministry of Health is considered an emerging figure within the ranks of the Labor Party. He looks like one of Starmer’s potential successors, although his successor is usually seen at swimming pools Andy Burnhamthe current Mayor of Manchester.

In favor of Sector Member Streeting Plerite This plays a role in the fact that Burnham, a senior representative of the party’s left wing, does not hold a seat in Parliament. An essential requirement for succeeding Starmer without having to overwhelm the legislature.

Fragility

On the eve of the official visit of the President of the United States to London. Donald Trump(That is, just two months ago), the British Prime Minister called his deputies to a meeting on the banks of the River Thames to ask them to close ranks with the government. Much of the Labor caucus has lost confidence in Downing Street.

Many did not understand his shift to the right on issues sensitive to the party, such as the economy or immigration. Starmer’s risky strategy only sought to contain the rise in opinion polls of the UK Reform Party, the extremist party Nigel Faragewhich, however, remains at the top in almost all polls.

In this quote, he revealed ReutersStarmer has been asking his people for a break due to the apparent lack of results from his government. For his colleagues, spending more than a year in power – with an overwhelming majority in Parliament – without having anything to boast about is too long.

It seemed that the Prime Minister had lost his strength, but in that meeting he showed his readiness to confront any dispute over leadership that might arise after the budget presentation scheduled for November 26, or after the local elections next May. But since then doubts have grown about his ability to maintain leadership.