Starmer accused of pushing out some of last progressive allies in No 10 shake-up

"The prime minister is overseeing a reorganisation of several key parts of his government, including the delivery and policy units, to refocus the policy work and give Jones more direct control of the machinery of government. The changes are part of an attempt by Starmer to regain the political initiative after a troubled first year in office, during which Labour has slumped in the polls and he has been accused of showing a lack of political vision."

"Though both were offered jobs in the overhauled unit, friends say they felt their expertise would not be as highly valued after the changes. Recent appointments to that unit include Axel Heitmueller, a former senior associate at the Tony Blair Institute, while Harvey Redgrave, another TBI alumnus, has been put in day-to-day charge of the team. Toby Lloyd, a former adviser to Theresa May, is understood to be joining to advise on housing and infrastructure policy."

"One special adviser said: Carys and Muneera were the finest policy minds in that building, and understood exactly what Keir is trying to do. Their departure leaves an enormous hole, and people fear this is part of a wider pattern of a progressive clear-out. Another senior aide said: A lot of women are leaving Downing Street right now. And if you look at who is being brought in to replace them, it is quite a lot of centrist men."

Keir Starmer is reorganising Downing Street, consolidating delivery and policy units to give chief secretary Darren Jones more direct control of government machinery. The shake-up aims to refocus policy work after a difficult first year marked by falling poll numbers and criticism of weak political vision. The overhaul prompted departures of Carys Roberts and Muneera Lula, who felt their expertise would be less valued despite job offers. New hires include Axel Heitmueller and Harvey Redgrave from the Tony Blair Institute and Toby Lloyd to advise on housing and infrastructure. Allies warn of a progressive clear-out and note many departing women are being replaced by centrist men.

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