Starmer 'assured' briefings did not come from No 10

SIR Keir Starmer has said he “of course” retains full confidence in his under-pressure chief of staff Morgan McSweeney after being “assured that no briefing against ministers was done from No 10”.

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Morgan McSweeney, chief adviser to Sir Keir Starmer

(IAN VOGLE)

The Prime Minister vowed to “absolutely deal with anybody responsible” for the briefing war that erupted at the top of the Labour Government.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting meanwhile refused to revisit “yesterday’s news” after a tumultuous day in which he criticised the “toxic” culture in Downing Street following anonymous claims he was plotting to unseat Sir Keir.

Despite calls to overhaul his No 10 operation and sack Mr McSweeney, the Prime Minister threw his weight behind his longtime ally.