Britain12 November, 20252 min read
Keir Starmer Denies Authorising No 10 Briefings Accusing Wes Streeting Of Plotting Leadership Challenge
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No 10 briefings claimed Health Secretary Wes Streeting was plotting a leadership challenge Keir Starmer denied authorising the briefings and called attacks on ministers unacceptable
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PM denies anonymous briefings
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer publicly denied authorising a series of anonymous briefings after media reports suggested No 10 insiders had accused Health Secretary Wes Streeting of organising a leadership challenge. At Prime Minister's Questions, Starmer said he had "never authorised" such attacks and called the briefings "completely unacceptable."
“Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told MPs at PMQs he has ‘never authorised’ attacks on his cabinet and called any such briefings ‘completely unacceptable,’ after anonymous media briefings aimed at shoring up his position targeted Health Secretary Wes Streeting.”
Downing Street later told reporters the briefings came "from outside No 10" and would be dealt with as it sought to calm the fallout. Sky News described Number 10 as calling the stories a "frustrating distraction" and said the prime minister had not authorised the briefings as the government attempted to defuse the row.
Streeting denies coup claims
Wes Streeting strongly denied the allegations and pushed back across media appearances, describing the claims that he was organising a coup as "categorically untrue" and rejecting the idea he would launch a leadership bid after the Budget. Streeting called the Downing Street briefings "self‑defeating" and "silly" and said those responsible should be sacked, while also criticising what he labelled a "toxic culture" in No 10 without naming individuals. The Daily Express and Eastern Daily Press reported Streeting's denials and his insistence that he would continue supporting the prime minister and his NHS work.
Downing Street response
Downing Street sought to contain the story by insisting the briefings were unauthorised and by protecting senior staff, including chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, saying the prime minister had confidence in his top team. Some insiders and allies warned that any formal attempt to oust Starmer could destabilise markets and international relations, and both the Guardian and Eastern Daily Press reported aides saying removing the prime minister would be "reckless" and cause "market chaos". Sky News and the BBC described Number 10's efforts to defuse the row and noted a refusal to confirm whether a leak inquiry would follow.
“Downing Street spent the post‑PMQs briefing trying to defuse a row over anonymous briefings splashed across the media that suggested the health secretary was about to launch a leadership challenge.”
Labour leadership pressure
The episode sits against broader unease within Labour about low poll ratings and the prospect of poor local-election results next year. GB News cited an Opinium poll finding that 56% of the public want Starmer to quit and only 26% want him to stay, and HotAir warned that MPs fear losing votes to parties such as Reform UK. Several outlets named potential rivals who might benefit from a stumble, with HotAir listing Shabana Mahmood, Ed Miliband and Louise Haigh and the BBC and Guardian noting Shabana Mahmood and Ed Miliband, while commentators said the Budget and upcoming local and devolved elections are imminent tests.
Political reactions and fallout
Reactions from other political figures and party voices varied. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the PM had 'lost control', while voices inside Labour including Jo White condemned the leaks as ill-timed and damaging and urged MPs to stop briefings that 'stir the pot'. Downing Street defended its team and has so far stopped short of confirming a leak inquiry or sacking any figures, even as the spat prompted media scrutiny about culture in No 10 and whether the prime minister can manage internal dissent while preparing for the Budget and elections.
“Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the PM had ‘lost control’ and asked whether Starmer still had confidence in chief of staff Morgan McSweeney; Starmer defended his team and said he had confidence in McSweeney.”