"Anas Sarwar, the Scottish leader, had announced an impromptu press conference at which he was expected to call for Keir Starmer to stand down, and those close to the prime minister were worried senior ministers would soon follow suit. What followed was three hours of frenetic activity as a group of about 10 ministers and officials at the top of government hit the phones in a desperate and ultimately successful attempt to shore up the prime minister's position."
"It was Downing Street's first test without Starmer's former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, whose resignation on Sunday arguably precipitated Monday's chaotic events. And those who were part of the operation say the new team proved they could thrive even without the man who has been at the prime minister's side since he became Labour leader. It was swift, organised and united, said one government insider. It was an excellent operation by some really excellent operators, said another."
"The drama of the last few days began on Friday as McSweeney flew home to Scotland after a turbulent week during which it had become clear how close his mentor Peter Mandelson had been to the child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Is this the end for Starmer? - The Latest Throughout the week Starmer had insisted McSweeney was going nowhere. Morgan McSweeney is an essential part of my team, he said at prime minister's questions on Wednesday."
Downing Street officials feared immediate political fallout when Anas Sarwar signalled a potential call for Keir Starmer to stand down. Around ten senior ministers and officials spent three hours contacting colleagues to stabilise the prime minister's position, executing a swift, organised and successful operation. The crisis followed Morgan McSweeney's resignation, prompted by revelations about Peter Mandelson's closeness to Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer had publicly expressed confidence in McSweeney but faced internal doubts over the weekend. The prime minister maintained regular contact with his chief of staff while senior advisers, including the attorney general Richard Hermer, counselled him on next steps.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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