"Keir Starmer has attempted to draw a line under extraordinary briefings by his allies that No 10 feared Wes Streeting could launch a leadership coup, insisting he had been reassured it didn't come from Downing Street. The prime minister gathered his senior staff to stress that briefings against cabinet ministers were unacceptable after apologising to Streeting for what had happened on Wednesday."
"Some senior ministers including the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, had suggested there could be a leak inquiry into the briefings about the threat of a leadership challenge. However, Starmer appeared keen to bring an end to the episode without launching a formal investigation, while warning his aides about the high standards that he expects from staff, and if anyone falls below those standards there will be consequences."
"Streeting, who was linked by some sources as the most likely plotter against Starmer, is also understood not to be pressing for the departure of McSweeney. Speaking to reporters, the health secretary dismissed the row as yesterday's news. The prime minister apologised to the health secretary in a brief phone call with him late on Wednesday in which Streeting did not bring up McSweeney by name."
Keir Starmer apologised to Wes Streeting and told senior staff that briefings against cabinet ministers were unacceptable. He accepted assurances that No 10 staff had not briefed against Streeting and reiterated support for his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney. Some Labour MPs called for McSweeney's resignation amid concerns about briefings that suggested a potential leadership challenge. Senior ministers considered a leak inquiry, but Starmer resisted launching a formal investigation while warning aides about high standards and possible consequences for misconduct. Streeting did not press for McSweeney's departure and described the matter as yesterday's news after a brief apology call.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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