Attendance noted: Labour whips ensured high turnout, with government benches fully occupied despite news of potential Labour MPs’ boycott. Starmer entered smiling, greeted by enthusiastic cheers from his colleagues.
Footnote: Streeting was absent from the chamber, attending the NHS Providers Conference in Manchester and perhaps seeking advice from Labour leadership hopeful Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester Mayor.
Proceed with caution: Badenoch cited Streeting’s remarks, questioning if the health secretary was correct about the need for change in the “toxic culture in Downing Street.” Starmer distanced himself, affirming that “any attack on any cabinet member is unacceptable.” The PM commended Streeting’s role as health secretary — possibly hinting where he wishes him to remain.
Responsibility here: The Tory leader humorously suggested that Streeting aimed to reduce a “waiting list,” then challenged the PM on his confidence in his influential Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney. Starmer stated, “I’ve never authorized attacks on cabinet members. I appointed them for their capability.”
Observation: Starmer’s response wasn’t a strong defense of his advisor, crucial to his Labour leadership. Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds and Commons Leader Alan Campbell appeared disheartened, while the Tories enjoyed the Labour tensions.
Easy exploitation: Badenoch readily capitalized on the situation. “Two weeks from a budget, the government is in civil war,” she declared. Starmer referenced his backbenchers, asserting their unity and joint progress, amid derisive laughter from the opposition. Assertions alone don’t establish truth.
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