Keir Starmer's Top Communications Aide Leaves

Steph Driver, who was Keir Starmer's main person for communications, has decided to leave her job. This is happening after other important people also left his team. It comes just before a big Labour Party meeting.
By Newsroom | Politics, United Kingdom |

A significant staff change has occurred within Prime Minister Keir Starmer's inner circle, with his head of communications announcing their departure. This move follows other recent exits from Starmer's Downing Street team, leading to discussions about the stability and direction of his administration.

Fresh Blow For Keir Starmer As His Top Spin Doctor Quits - 1

Shifting Sands in Starmer's Inner Circle

The resignation of Steph Driver, identified as Keir Starmer's head of communications, marks another personnel shift within the Prime Minister's office. Driver had served as a close aide for five years, including during Starmer's time as leader of the opposition. Her departure is noted as particularly impactful, especially in the lead-up to the Labour Party conference. This event occurs in the wake of other departures, including Morgan McSweeney, Starmer's chief of staff, and James Lyons, who also recently left his role as top spin doctor after approximately ten months. The circumstances surrounding these exits, coupled with questions about Starmer's judgment on other matters, have led some commentators to describe the situation as an "exodus."

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Fresh Blow For Keir Starmer As His Top Spin Doctor Quits - 2

Evidence of Departures and Internal Pressure

Multiple reports confirm the resignations of key communication staff and other senior figures from Keir Starmer's office:

Fresh Blow For Keir Starmer As His Top Spin Doctor Quits - 3

  • Steph Driver: Described as Starmer's "top spin doctor" and "head of communications," her exit is reported as a "latest No. 10 departure" and a "pretty big blow to Starmer ahead of Labour’s party conference."

  • James Lyons: Also identified as a "top spin doctor" and "comms chief," his resignation occurred approximately ten months into the role. His departure is noted as a "major personnel blow" and part of a pattern of "dramatic No. 10 exit[s]."

  • Nin Pandit: Starmer's "top civil servant," was reportedly dismissed or moved to a new role leading on policy delivery after ten months in her position.

  • Morgan McSweeney: Starmer's "chief of staff," also recently departed.

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These exits have been met with scrutiny, with some of Starmer's own parliamentary colleagues reportedly expressing anger and questioning his leadership.

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Scrutiny of Starmer's Judgment

The recent staff turnover has coincided with public questioning of Keir Starmer's decision-making.

  • The Mandelson Affair: Reports link McSweeney's exit to the "Mandelson scandal," which involved scrutiny of Starmer's judgment regarding the appointment of a peer as ambassador to the US, despite known continued links with Jeffrey Epstein. While Baroness Jacqui Smith defended Starmer, critics within his own party have pointed to his role in the final decision.

  • Leadership Questions: Beyond specific incidents, Starmer has reportedly faced "questions over his leadership for months," with internal discussions among Labour MPs indicating significant dissatisfaction.

The Wider Political Landscape

These internal shifts occur against a backdrop of political challenges for the Labour Party.

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  • Public Opinion: Polling data suggests a nuanced identity among Labour-supporting Scots, with a significant portion identifying as "more Scottish" than "British." Additionally, one poll predicted that a Burnham-led Labour party would outperform Reform UK, potentially indicating a preference for alternative leadership within the party.

  • Party Conference Impact: The timing of Driver's resignation, just before the Labour Party conference, is seen as particularly detrimental, potentially amplifying concerns about the party's leadership and direction.

Expert Observations and Commentary

Political commentators have framed the recent departures in stark terms:

  • Some observers have dubbed the exits an "exodus," signaling a significant level of instability within Starmer's team.

  • The cumulative effect of these resignations, particularly that of the head of communications, is viewed as a substantial challenge for Starmer as he prepares for key political events like the party conference.

Findings and Implications

The consistent reporting across multiple sources indicates a period of notable staff instability within Keir Starmer's Prime Minister's office. The departure of Steph Driver, his head of communications, follows other significant exits, including his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and former top spin doctor James Lyons. These personnel changes have intensified scrutiny on Starmer's leadership and judgment, particularly in relation to past decisions and the perceived internal dissent among some Labour MPs. The timing of these events, preceding the Labour Party conference, suggests potential implications for the party's public presentation and internal cohesion. The pattern of departures, including that of Nin Pandit, a senior civil servant, contributes to a narrative of internal pressures within the administration.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Steph Driver?
Steph Driver was Keir Starmer's head of communications. She worked with him for five years.
Q: Why is this important?
Her leaving is seen as a big problem for Starmer, especially before the Labour Party conference.
Q: Are other people leaving too?
Yes, Starmer's chief of staff and another top communications person have also left recently.
Q: What does this mean for Starmer?
These departures are making people question Starmer's leadership and how his team is working.