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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Rowena Mason Whitehall editor

Cooper defends Starmer after book says chief of staff called him an ‘HR manager’

Keir Starmer
A government source denied that McSweeney had described Starmer as such and suggested anonymous briefings about Starmer should not be taken seriously. Photograph: WPA/Getty Images

One of Keir Starmer’s cabinet ministers has said he stands for “respect and hard work”, after a new book claimed his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, described him as an “HR manager” rather than a leader.

Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, said Starmer’s plan for change was clear and defended him, after the book by two journalists, Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund, suggested some of those in his inner circle are not entirely convinced by his leadership qualities.

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