Keir Starmer Overhauls No 10 Leadership Amid Internal Conflict

Keir Starmer's government is undergoing a significant reshuffle aimed at consolidating power within No 10 Downing Street and improving coordination with the Treasury, reflecting frustrations over bureaucratic inefficiencies and policy stagnation. A new role, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, has been created and filled by Darren Jones, formerly the deputy to Treasury Secretary Rachel Reeves, to strengthen ties and enforce policy delivery within government. This move also signals Starmer's intent to impose stronger economic oversight in Downing Street, as he surrounds himself with economists and advisers like former Bank of England deputy governor Minouche Shafik. However, critics argue that these changes reveal deeper issues, with some former Labour insiders calling for a complete reset of the party's leadership due to ongoing crises and lack of momentum. The reshuffle also includes streamlining communications and policy teams, replacing multiple competing roles with clearer leadership, though the government still lacks a charismatic spokesperson akin to figures from previous administrations. Overall, the overhaul highlights Starmer's challenge in asserting control over his government machinery and delivering on Labour's agenda after a year in power.