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During a recent cabinet meeting led by Keir Starmer, a female minister addressed the prime minister with concerns regarding the ongoing leaks and negative briefings targeting women in the cabinet. Specific names were mentioned, including education secretary Bridget Phillipson, work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall, and home secretary Yvette Cooper.
Starmer expressed his anger, declaring that he would not tolerate such malicious briefings and warned of repercussions if they continued. One minister remarked on the current atmosphere, stating that the cabinet no longer feels like a safe space for open discussions. However, it is noted that significant policy details, particularly around defence spending, have not been subject to leaks.
This intervention by Starmer follows a period of tension among female ministers, who are increasingly feeling the strain of being blamed for governmental issues, particularly in relation to challenging policies on welfare cuts and immigration. Many feel that they are under undue scrutiny, especially during a time of public discontent.
Several female Labour MPs have expressed discomfort with the disproportionate blame that seems to fall on women in leadership positions, despite a perceived lack of accountability for male counterparts, such as chancellor Rachel Reeves, who faces criticism for the Treasury’s approach to spending cuts and welfare reforms.
Within the ranks of newly elected MPs, there is a strong sentiment advocating for the next party leader to be a woman, alongside a growing resentment toward what they perceive as an effort to promote Wes Streeting as Starmer’s successor. Streeting’s allies refute notions that he is behind negative briefings, highlighting his longstanding friendships with Phillipson and Reeves.
One ally emphasized that Starmer has entrusted Streeting with crucial responsibilities within the NHS, noting that it requires his full attention and dedication. Meanwhile, others within Whitehall suggest that the sources of the negative briefs might actually stem from aides in No 10 or the Treasury, impacting ministers like Kendall, who has been involved in challenging discussions on welfare and job funding, as well as Phillipson, who is managing changes to the academy system.
Streeting has positioned himself prominently in the media, serving both in his health brief and as an outspoken critic of the Conservative party. His recent participation was marked by a vigorous critique of Nigel Farage at the launch of the party’s Runcorn byelection campaign, where he claimed that the Reform party would “dismantle our NHS from top to bottom.”
Despite his media presence and role concerning NHS policies—which are critical to Labour’s base—Streeting remains one of the less favoured figures among party members, as reflected in a recent poll. He ranks just above a few other key figures, including Kendall, Reeves, and attorney general Richard Hermer, suggesting a disconnect between his media persona and grassroots support.
At this moment, Streeting does not face a clear female contender for the leadership. Although there was once a coalition of senior cabinet members supportive of Reeves for leadership, her decisions as chancellor have shifted that dynamic. Other ministers might consider supporting Angela Rayner, yet it is anticipated she would encounter significant press opposition.
Among party members, Rayner is increasingly viewed as the most popular option for leadership, according to polling conducted by Survation. Notably, Ed Miliband is the only cabinet minister ahead of her in popularity, though he is not seen as a likely candidate for leadership again.
Source
www.theguardian.com