Streeting denies plot to oust Starmer and condemns briefings from No 10

Health secretary says attacks on him from Downing Street ‘self-defeating’ after reports PM’s job could be under threat

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Wes Streeting has denied leading a plot to overthrow the prime minister and called for those briefing against him to be sacked, widening an extraordinary rift at the top of government.

The health secretary condemned “self-defeating” attacks on him coming from Downing Street and said they were indicative of a toxic culture inside No 10.

He rebuked the senior aides behind the anonymous briefings and said they proved that “there are people around the prime minister who do not follow his model and style of leadership”.

Streeting was responding to the Guardian’s report that Downing Street had launched an operation to protect Keir Starmer against a leadership challenge his allies believe could come from the Ilford North MP after the budget or May local elections.

The prime minister’s closest allies said he would fight any “reckless” attempt to oust him, which they warned would affect the markets and the UK’s international relationships. In early trading on Wednesday UK government borrowing costs rose as the price of gilts – UK government bonds – slipped in value amid the speculation over a leadership challenge.

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Source: www.theguardian.com

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