Keir Starmer faces a crucial test in filling three key vacancies at the top of his operation, with those vying for his ear pushing for different directions and factions emerging within No 10. The departures of star adviser Morgan McSweeney and director of communication Tim Allan have raised hopes among Labour's soft left that a shift to the right will take place.
Starmer is now seeking someone who can oversee cross-departmental delivery, sparking discussions about appointing a "chief executive" figure who could balance the politics with the policy. The name of Louise Casey, the lead non-executive director for the government, has been mentioned frequently in this context, despite her history of being tough and practical.
The prime minister's approach to leadership is also coming under scrutiny, with some wanting him to be more authentic and truer to his own instincts – pro-EU and internationalist, less hardline on immigration, and more radical on issues like net zero. Others believe that sticking to McSweeney's plan of focusing on the cost of living and fighting for swing voters is the way forward.
In terms of personnel changes, Starmer has appointed two co-chiefs of staff, Vidhya Alakeson and Jill Cuthbertson, in a bid to create a more cohesive team. Tom Baldwin, Starmer's biographer, believes that the key to success lies in facing outward to the country rather than inwardly battling for leadership.
A number of names have been tipped for possible elevation to chief of staff-type roles, including Amy Richards and Varun Chandra. However, critics argue that Chandra lacks sufficient political experience to take on such a role.
In terms of communications, Starmer has cycled through several media aides before Allan arrived six months ago. There is now appetite for the return of Steph Driver, who was respected by the media and known for her calm operator status.
Ultimately, the key challenge facing Starmer lies in making the cabinet and party feel like part of a cohesive team. Labour insiders believe that he needs to narrate the story and bind them together as part of a unified project.
Starmer is now seeking someone who can oversee cross-departmental delivery, sparking discussions about appointing a "chief executive" figure who could balance the politics with the policy. The name of Louise Casey, the lead non-executive director for the government, has been mentioned frequently in this context, despite her history of being tough and practical.
The prime minister's approach to leadership is also coming under scrutiny, with some wanting him to be more authentic and truer to his own instincts – pro-EU and internationalist, less hardline on immigration, and more radical on issues like net zero. Others believe that sticking to McSweeney's plan of focusing on the cost of living and fighting for swing voters is the way forward.
In terms of personnel changes, Starmer has appointed two co-chiefs of staff, Vidhya Alakeson and Jill Cuthbertson, in a bid to create a more cohesive team. Tom Baldwin, Starmer's biographer, believes that the key to success lies in facing outward to the country rather than inwardly battling for leadership.
A number of names have been tipped for possible elevation to chief of staff-type roles, including Amy Richards and Varun Chandra. However, critics argue that Chandra lacks sufficient political experience to take on such a role.
In terms of communications, Starmer has cycled through several media aides before Allan arrived six months ago. There is now appetite for the return of Steph Driver, who was respected by the media and known for her calm operator status.
Ultimately, the key challenge facing Starmer lies in making the cabinet and party feel like part of a cohesive team. Labour insiders believe that he needs to narrate the story and bind them together as part of a unified project.
... people want someone super practical (Louise Casey) but also authentic & radical 
... I think he needs to surround himself with people who can have an open conversation about what Labour wants to be, not just who's got the best PR skills 
... the thing is, its easy for him to get lost in all this internal squabbling - he should focus on building that cohesive team & communicating that vision to the country 
. i mean, we're talkin' about leadership here, and that's all about findin' your direction, y'know? but at the same time, you gotta balance the politics with the policy, and that's like tryin' to juggle too many balls in the air... eventually somethin's gonna drop 
. and what's even more interesting is how starmer's approach is bein' critiqued - some say he needs to be more authentic, while others think he should stick with his plan of focusin' on the cost of livin'... but at what cost? 
someone who can balance politics and policy, you know? and what's with all these names getting thrown around for top spots? Louise Casey sounds like a solid pick though 
she's got some serious experience under her belt.
it's time for him to lead with conviction. and what about the net zero thing? he needs to take a stronger stance on that ASAP 
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he needs someone who can balance politics & policy, like a "chief executive" figure? sounds like they're looking for someone super practical & no-nonsense like louise casey 
but others think starmer should be more true to himself, embracing his pro-EU and internationalist vibes 
it's all about finding that right balance between being authentic & being realistic about the party's direction 
Like, who doesn't want to shift towards the right and abandon their core values? 
It's not like they're trying to win over swing voters or anything. 
A chief executive figure sounds like a great idea, because nothing says "authentic leader" like some corporate buzzword. 
And of course, who wouldn't want to appoint someone with a history of being tough and practical? 
, he's been stuck in this same old mindset for ages. it's time for him to be more authentic & listen to his own instincts 
, not just play it safe with the cost of living and swing voters. those who want him to take a harder line on immigration & net zero are speaking from my heart 
who can bring in fresh perspectives. amy richards or varun chandra could be awesome in chief of staff roles, just make sure they're not too polished 
, labor needs some grit right now.
And what's with all these factional fights? It feels like Labour's got more in-house politics than a soap opera! 
I'd rather see them focus on some actual policy changes, you know, the kind that'll make a real difference to people's lives. Like, have they thought about how they're gonna tackle the cost of living crisis? 
think starmer is gonna get his arse kicked on this one... all these factions emerging, it's like they're stabbing him in the back already 
. someone who can oversee cross-departmental delivery? more like someone who can keep everyone from killing each other 
. and what's with this "chief executive" nonsense? just another layer of bureaucracy to slow them down 
, need someone who can oversee the whole operation, like a ceo 
, pro-EU and internationalist, less hardline on immigration 
But what I really want to see is more of a clear vision from Starmer himself. He's always been a bit of a centrist, but sometimes I feel like he's playing it too safe. What if he took some real risks and put his pro-EU, internationalist values front and centre? 
I'm telling you, this is all about control 
And what's with all these names being floated around for the chief of staff role? It's like they're trying to create a new power structure 
... but what about starmer's own instincts? is he willing to take a harder stance on immigration and stuff? i think it's time for him to find his true voice 
. I'm lovin' the idea of Louise Casey as chief executive tho, she sounds like a no-nonsense kinda gal who can get things done 
so keir starmer is looking for someone to be his boss 
just imagine having to deal with politicians, they're already high maintenance 
, folks! On one hand, you've got these "soft left" types who want him to pivot to the centre-right 
. I think Louise Casey would be great for a "chief executive" role - she's got experience and is known for being practical 
. And can someone please get Steph Driver back to sort out comms? 
She was always calm and professional 