Power Shift in Downing Street: The Race to Replace Starmer's Top Aide
Morgan McSweeney's departure from Downing Street marks the most significant power shift at the heart of Keir Starmer's operation since he assumed office as prime minister. With McSweeney's exit, a vacuum has emerged, prompting Starmer to appoint two acting replacements while a broader competition unfolds among five key individuals vying for the prime minister's ear in the newly restructured No 10 setup.
Acting Chiefs of Staff: A Dual Leadership Approach
Vidhya Alakeson and Jill Cuthbertson have been appointed as acting chiefs of staff, sharing the role previously held by McSweeney. This arrangement sees Cuthbertson focusing primarily on logistics and operations, while Alakeson brings her policy expertise to the forefront.
Alakeson, who served as deputy chief of staff until recently, earned acclaim before the election for her efforts in leading Starmer's outreach to the business community. Her background includes roles at the Resolution Foundation thinktank, where she was deputy chief executive, and earlier work as a policy adviser in the Treasury. Colleagues in No 10 have praised her strong work ethic and ability to collaborate with groups outside the Labour party. However, some observers note that as a policy specialist, she may lack the raw political acumen that McSweeney was known for employing ruthlessly.
Cuthbertson, on the other hand, has a deep-rooted history in Labour politics, having worked in No 10 under Gordon Brown and later as part of Ed Miliband's events team during his tenure as party leader. Regarded as a trusted and reliable figure, she gained recognition for her meticulous logistical planning during the election campaign, which helped Starmer avoid the early missteps that plagued Rishi Sunak's efforts.
Key Contenders for Influence in the New Operation
Beyond the acting chiefs, several other prominent figures are positioning themselves to shape Starmer's agenda and gain influence in the revamped Downing Street operation.
Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the prime minister, holds a central role in this new dynamic. Appointed just five months ago in a reshuffle that aimed to bolster Starmer's team, Jones was tasked with helping the government deliver on the prime minister's priorities. He has described his function as mediating disputes among ministers when they cannot agree on a course of action. Starmer's high regard for Jones was evident from the start, as he attempted to have McSweeney report to Jones rather than directly to himself—a move McSweeney resisted. Insiders suggest that Jones's arrival signaled the beginning of McSweeney's waning influence, highlighting the shifting power dynamics within No 10.
Amy Richards, the political director, brings a background as a long-time adviser to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, including work on Cooper's 2015 leadership campaign. Richards was brought into Downing Street in September as part of Starmer's initiative to improve communication with Labour MPs following a welfare rebellion. Known for her loyalty and low-key demeanor, she has encouraged the prime minister to engage more regularly with his parliamentary party. This effort has yielded some success, with Starmer becoming more visible in the Commons and among colleagues, addressing concerns that he had grown too distant from the concerns of his own MPs.
Harvey Redgrave, head of the No 10 policy unit, is a home affairs policy specialist with a notable academic background as a former Fulbright scholar. He previously spent seven years at the Tony Blair Institute and served as a senior adviser to Ed Miliband during his time as leader of the opposition. Redgrave's appointment in September was part of a broader shakeup that some on the left interpreted as Starmer's move to marginalize remaining progressive voices from his inner circle. His role focuses on shaping policy direction, making him a critical player in the new operation.
Implications for Labour's Future Direction
The departure of Morgan McSweeney and the subsequent appointments underscore a pivotal moment for Keir Starmer's leadership and the Labour party's trajectory. With two acting chiefs of staff and multiple contenders vying for influence, the power structure within Downing Street is in flux. This reshuffling could impact policy decisions, political strategy, and the party's cohesion as Starmer navigates the challenges of governance.
As these individuals compete for the prime minister's attention, their backgrounds and skills—from Alakeson's business outreach to Cuthbertson's logistical prowess, Jones's ministerial coordination, Richards's parliamentary engagement, and Redgrave's policy expertise—will shape the future of Labour's operation. The outcome of this internal competition will likely influence how effectively Starmer can implement his agenda and maintain party unity in the coming months.
