Starmer’s Chief of Staff McSweeney Will Remain in Role Despite Briefing Row, Sources Say

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, is not leaving his position and was not involved in briefing journalists against cabinet ministers, according to senior sources who spoke to the BBC. The clarification comes amid growing political tension after reports suggested that members of Starmer’s team had accused senior ministers of plotting to challenge the prime minister’s leadership.

In recent days, Sir Keir has faced calls to dismiss whoever was responsible for the off the record briefings that alleged ministers, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting, were considering moves against him. Some figures inside government pointed to McSweeney as a possible source of the briefings, a claim that has since been strongly rejected by individuals close to him.

McSweeney has not made any public comment. However, people who have spoken to him told the BBC that he insists he has “done absolutely nothing wrong” and has no intention of stepping down. “He is not going anywhere,” one source said, adding that he was not involved in the briefings “either directly or indirectly.”

The controversy escalated after journalists were informed on Tuesday by allies of the prime minister that Starmer would face down any challenge to his leadership. Additional briefings suggested he was under threat from certain named ministers, particularly Streeting, further fueling speculation about internal divisions within the government.

Government insiders have since tried to draw a distinction between the leadership reassurance message and the separate briefings naming specific ministers. Speaking during a visit to North Wales, Sir Keir said he had been assured that the comments targeting cabinet ministers did not originate from Downing Street. “I have been talking to my team today. I have been assured that no briefing against ministers was done from Number 10,” he said. “I find it absolutely unacceptable.”

He reiterated that promise when asked whether he would dismiss those responsible. “I will absolutely deal with anybody responsible for briefing against ministers,” he said. “That is the standard I expect and the standard I will enforce.”

Asked directly whether he still had confidence in Morgan McSweeney, the Labour leader responded, “Of course I do. I work closely with my whole team. Our focus is on working for the country.”

Behind the scenes, some Labour MPs have expressed concern about the intensity of the criticism directed at McSweeney. One MP who is close to him told the BBC they were “really worried” about the impact the public scrutiny might have on his wellbeing.

Briefings, often delivered anonymously or off the record, are a longstanding feature of political reporting in Westminster. They allow officials or MPs to express views they would not be willing to say publicly, and journalists use them to provide fuller context to political developments. In this case, however, the fallout has prompted renewed debate about discipline and trust within the government.