Starmer has suggested that ousted No10 Chief of Staff (and creator of the Starmer project) Morgan McSweeney could return to government in future. Will be news to some…
At McSweeney’s leaving drinks in the Walkers of Whitehall pub Starmer lathered on the praise, calling Morgan one of the best political strategists in the world and praising his “plan, strategy and foresight.” Not enough foresight to see the Mandelson-shaped boulder hurtling down the mountain towards his office…
Guido hears Starmer spoke about the need for the “journey” to continue and added to Morgan: “we will need you again.” Sources tell Guido that McSweeney has been working out what he wants to do since leaving No10, speaking to journalists and so on. No shields left for Starmer…
In Henry Mance’s piece today for the FT, lunching with Nigel Farage:
“Splendido!” Farage says, when the drinks arrive; I suppose it’s a step to European reconciliation. We clink glasses, and he lights the first of two back-to-back Benson & Hedges. A few minutes later, we’re back downstairs. “Are you drinking? Good.” He orders a glass of Sauvignon blanc for each of us — not a bottle, “because it’s Lent” — followed by a bottle of claret, to have with our meal. They say Farage drinks less than he used to. They say a lot of things.”