Botched briefing operation was proof to many that PM is leading an ineffectual No 10. How did it go so wrong?
If there’s one thing the Labour party can agree on this week, it is that efforts by Keir Starmer’s allies to shore up his position backfired spectacularly.
By briefing journalists that he would face down any challenge and accusing Wes Streeting of leading an advanced plot to overthrow him, figures around the prime minister managed only to expose the weakness of his position.
The sharks were already circling – there is no shortage of senior Labour politicians convinced they can do a better job of running the country. And the botched briefing operation on Tuesday night was proof to many MPs that Starmer is leading an ineffectual No 10 operation careering towards a crushing defeat in Scotland, Wales and English local councils next May.
This impression solidified on Friday when Downing Street ripped up its carefully trailed plans to increase income tax in the budget – a move seen by others in government as the latest “panicked” attempt to protect Starmer’s position.
