Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing criticism from within his own ranks after reportedly sidelining several of his remaining progressive allies in a major shake-up of his Downing Street operation.
The reorganisation designed to strengthen the role of Chief Secretary Darren Jones will see a restructuring of the government’s key delivery and policy units, giving Jones greater control over policy development and implementation across Whitehall.
The overhaul forms part of Keir Starmer effort to regain political momentum after a challenging first year in office marked by sliding poll numbers and accusations of lacking a clear political vision.
However, the changes have prompted the departures of Carys Roberts and Muneera Lula, described by colleagues as among the more left-leaning members of the policy unit. Although both were offered positions in the revamped team, sources close to them said they felt their expertise would be “less valued” under the new structure.
Their exits follow a wave of appointments seen as more centrist in tone. Axel Heitmueller, formerly of the Tony Blair Institute, has joined the unit, while Harvey Redgrave, another alumnus of the institute, now oversees its daily operations. Toby Lloyd, a former adviser to Theresa May, is also expected to join as housing and infrastructure adviser.
The shake-up has intensified a sense of instability within No 10, coming after the recent departures of Paul Ovenden, Keir Starmer director of political strategy, and Steph Driver, head of communications.
Keir Starmer
One Downing Street adviser told reporters:
“Carys and Muneera were two of the sharpest policy minds in the building. Their departure leaves a huge gap it feels like part of a wider pattern of progressive voices being pushed out.”
Another senior aide added:
Downing Street declined to comment, but allies of the prime minister rejected claims that Keir Starmer is abandoning his progressive agenda. They pointed to his recent conference speech, in which he forcefully rebutted arguments from Nigel Farage and Reform UK, as evidence that he remains committed to a centre-left vision.
Officials also denied claims of a gender imbalance, noting that Vidhya Alakeson, Starmer’s deputy chief of staff, retains overall responsibility for the policy unit and remains one of the most senior figures in No 10.
Keir Starmer first began reshaping his inner team in September, following a turbulent summer in which he faced criticism for failing to respond effectively to a series of hardline immigration announcements from Farage.
The latest moves are aimed at streamlining policy delivery and restoring a sense of coherence to Labour’s governing message, amid concerns that the administration has become bogged down in political infighting while trailing Reform UK by around seven points in national polls.
The centrepiece of the reorganisation was the decision to bring Darren Jones into Downing Street in a newly created role as Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister making him the only other minister based inside No 10 and effectively Keir Starmer right-hand man.
According to one senior insider, the reshuffle marks a shift towards technocratic control over political influence, leaving “few recognisable progressives left in No 10.”
