Starmer Replaces Third Top Aide Under One Year Amidst Political Pressure

Sir Keir Starmer is set to replace Nin Pandit, the principal private secretary (PPS) at Downing Street, marking the third senior aide change in less than a year following the departures of chief of staff Sue Gray and director of communications Matthew Doyle. Concerns have been raised about Ms. Pandit's effectiveness in the role, although Downing Street and Starmer's allies maintain he retains trust and confidence in her, and she is expected to be reassigned within government. The PPS role is highly significant as it involves managing the Prime Minister's schedule, controlling information flow, and being present at major decision-making moments. Starmer's first year as Prime Minister has been challenging, with declining Labour support in polls amid public dissatisfaction over immigration, welfare, and other policy issues. A wider reshuffle of junior ministers is also anticipated following recent parliamentary rebellions. Meanwhile, political news highlights include Labour's polling slump, discussions on energy costs linked to government policies, and debates surrounding immigration policies from Reform UK.