‘They all think Keir is done’: how push to protect Starmer’s job backfired spectacularly

Wes Streeting (left) has long been seen by colleagues as No 10’s golden child, favoured by key players including chief of staff Morgan McSweeney. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

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.