Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, has kickstarted a top to bottom overhaul in his Downing Street operation. This strategic move is intended to enhance the government’s storytelling, engagement and community building efforts while increasing internal operational efficiencies. This change comes as Starmer seeks to consolidate his leadership amidst ongoing political challenges and aims to better align his administration’s priorities.
Nin Pandit, Starmer’s chief civil service adviser, is leaving her post after being in the role for just under ten months. Her departure marks the beginning of a larger reorganization of critical positions in the administration’s public relations apparatus. Even with this change, Steph Driver will continue to handle day-to-day comms at No 10. She will be seeking out innovative approaches while reporting to Tim Allan, who was named executive director of government communications just the week prior. Allan’s role will be key, as he’ll be the first person in the door to set the strategic direction for their communications.
A month before this latest re-shuffle, David Dinsmore had been named by the government to be their new communications czar. Dinsmore’s appointment bodes well for changing the narrative around the government and improving how it engages with the public. Darren Jones has been promoted to become a senior advisor in Downing Street. He is today the prime minister’s chief secretary. In this newly defined role, Jones will be responsible for ensuring that Starmer’s policy priorities are addressed on a daily basis. This is a significant responsibility, especially with the Labour leader’s ongoing efforts to wrest greater executive control over the workings of government.
James Murray promotion In the recent reshuffle, James Murray was promoted from exchequer secretary. He is currently the shadow deputy to Rachel Reeves. This promotion is a clear sign of Starmer’s desire to build his economic war room. Chief of staff Morgan McSweeney has been joined by Stuart Ingham, who will be leaving his current unit to join the small team. Ingham’s new role will be to ensure that Starmer’s priorities, from tackling climate change to fostering social equity, are included in every decision the administration makes.
Dan York-Smith has been appointed as principal private secretary. He replaces Nin Pandit in this role as part of the shifting. York-Smith’s appointment is the latest move in a carefully planned strategy to strengthen the leadership team supporting Starmer. Her departure comes alongside the announced resignation of James Lyons, Downing Street’s director of communications for strategy. He is the longest-serving person to hold this position. Dan Tomlinson will replace Lyons in this key role, where he’ll be responsible for crafting the strategic communications direction of the government.
Liz Lloyd, Tony Blair’s deputy chief of staff at No 10 under Tony Blair, is departing her current role. She’s about to change lanes entirely, preparing to take on an expanded role within the U.S. government in coming days.
This reshuffle is a further sign of Keir Starmer’s determination to build the strongest possible administration to ensure effective delivery of his radical policy agenda. With these appointments and reassignments, Starmer aims to create a more cohesive team capable of navigating complex political landscapes while effectively communicating the government’s objectives and achievements.