Briefings yesterday that Starmer would address the nation today have been quickly rolled back. Post-Morgan grid off to a rickety start…
Guido hears top-level discussions in Downing Street on Saturday with regard to the PM’s recovery plan included a Monday speech from Starmer after McSweeney’s resignation which would address the steps the government was taking to address reforms to the system to increase transparency and improve vetting, along with fielding questions from the press. This was dutifully briefed to hacks the next day…
That has been cancelled now and Starmer’s only hurdle is a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party later tonight. Many of whom are still out for blood…
Speaking about Morgan McSweeney’s resignation, skills minister Jacqui Smith told Times Radio:
“It’s clearly not ideal but I do understand why Morgan, as he explained, decided to resign at this point. But the important thing as you say is how we both tackle what this Epstein and Mandelson scandal has identified and also how we make sure, as the prime minister is absolutely determined to, that we continue the change that the country needs and that’s what I’m focusing on this morning.”