Downing Street Power Dynamics Shift as McSweeney Departs
The resignation of Morgan McSweeney from Downing Street marks the most significant realignment of power within Prime Minister Keir Starmer's inner circle since he assumed office. McSweeney, who served as Starmer's closest aide, has left a void that has prompted a swift restructuring of the Number 10 operation. In response, the Prime Minister has appointed two acting replacements, setting the stage for a new era of political influence and decision-making at the heart of government.
Acting Chiefs of Staff: A Dual Leadership Approach
Vidhya Alakeson and Jill Cuthbertson have been tasked with sharing the responsibilities of acting chief of staff, a move that reflects a strategic division of labour within the Prime Minister's office. Alakeson, who previously served as deputy chief of staff, has earned recognition for her pivotal role in Starmer's outreach to the business community ahead of the general election. With a background that includes tenure at the Resolution Foundation thinktank and a stint as a policy adviser at the Treasury, she brings substantial policy expertise to the role. Colleagues have praised her diligent work ethic and her ability to engage effectively with groups outside the Labour Party. However, some observers note that while she excels in policy matters, she may lack the sharp political instincts that characterised McSweeney's approach.
Jill Cuthbertson, the other half of this acting leadership duo, tends to focus more on logistical and operational aspects of the role. Her extensive experience in Labour politics includes working in Number 10 under former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and serving on Ed Miliband's events team during his tenure as party leader. Regarded as a reliable and trusted figure, Cuthbertson is credited with developing meticulous logistical plans during the election campaign, which helped Starmer avoid the early pitfalls that plagued Rishi Sunak's efforts. Her attention to detail and operational prowess are seen as key assets in maintaining the smooth running of Downing Street.
Key Figures in the New No 10 Operation
Beyond the acting chiefs of staff, several other individuals are poised to play crucial roles in shaping the Prime Minister's agenda. Darren Jones, the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, occupies a central position in the revamped team. Appointed just five months ago in a newly created role, Jones is a Labour MP and former Treasury chief secretary tasked with driving the delivery of Starmer's priorities. He has described his function as mediating disputes between ministers and ensuring cohesive action. Starmer's high regard for Jones was evident from the outset, with attempts to have McSweeney report to him directly, a move that McSweeney resisted. Insiders suggest that Jones's arrival signalled the beginning of McSweeney's waning influence, highlighting the shifting power dynamics within the Prime Minister's inner circle.
Amy Richards, the Political Director, brings a wealth of experience from her long-standing advisory role to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, including work on Cooper's 2015 leadership campaign. Recruited to Downing Street in September as part of efforts to improve communication with Labour MPs following a welfare rebellion, Richards is known for her loyalty and understated demeanour. She has encouraged Starmer to engage more regularly with the parliamentary party, leading to increased visibility in the Commons and the MPs' tea room. This outreach has helped alleviate concerns among colleagues that the Prime Minister had become detached from their issues.
Harvey Redgrave, Head of the Number 10 Policy Unit, is a home affairs specialist with a background that includes seven years at the Tony Blair Institute and a role as a senior adviser to Ed Miliband. A former Fulbright scholar, Redgrave was appointed in September as part of a broader shakeup that some on the left interpreted as an effort to marginalise remaining progressive voices within Starmer's team. His expertise in policy development is expected to be instrumental in shaping the government's domestic agenda.
Implications for Starmer's Leadership
The departure of Morgan McSweeney and the subsequent appointments represent a pivotal moment for Keir Starmer's administration. The new configuration of power brokers in Downing Street suggests a move towards a more collaborative and diversified leadership structure, with distinct roles for policy, logistics, political outreach, and ministerial coordination. As these five individuals vie for the Prime Minister's ear, their interactions and influence will likely define the direction and effectiveness of Starmer's government in the coming months. The reshuffle underscores the ongoing evolution of Labour's operational strategy as it seeks to consolidate power and implement its policy agenda.
