Starmer's Cabinet Displays Unity With Broad Smiles After No10 Gathering
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed gratitude to his Cabinet colleagues following their collective show of support during a critical juncture in his premiership. The Labour leader faced a significant leadership challenge after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar publicly called for his resignation, creating a moment of peril for the government.
Cabinet Rallies Behind Embattled Prime Minister
During this morning's Cabinet meeting at Downing Street, Starmer delivered a thank you message to his most senior ministers, acknowledging their solidarity during yesterday's tense political developments. The Prime Minister told colleagues they remained "strong and united" after effectively rescuing him from what could have become a damaging leadership contest.
Starmer emphasized that the government would maintain its relentless focus on addressing the priorities of British citizens, particularly the ongoing cost of living crisis. In a notable statement, the Prime Minister declared that "the whole of the Labour Party" desires Anas Sarwar to become First Minister and pledged to "fight for a Labour government in Scotland."
Ministers Display Visible Optimism
Before and after the crucial Cabinet session, numerous ministers were photographed displaying beaming smiles as they entered and exited Number 10. Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy appeared particularly cheerful, offering both a broad grin and a thumbs-up gesture to waiting cameras.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, frequently mentioned as a potential leadership contender, was observed smiling alongside Technology Secretary Liz Kendall as they approached the famous black door. Other senior figures including Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and DWP Secretary Pat McFadden were all captured with optimistic expressions.
Labour chair Anna Turley and Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell both offered friendly waves to photographers, contributing to the atmosphere of apparent unity and confidence among the government's top ranks.
Energy Secretary Acknowledges Serious Mistakes
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband provided candid commentary on the recent political turbulence, admitting that Starmer had faced a genuine "moment of peril" due to significant errors made under his leadership. The Cabinet minister revealed that the Prime Minister had acknowledged to MPs that certain decisions—including the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson and cuts to winter fuel payments—had not aligned with Labour's core values.
Miliband stated that these missteps had unfortunately "drowned out" the positive work accomplished by the government since taking office. The former Labour leader made "no bones" about the seriousness of yesterday's events, which had placed Starmer's premiership in genuine jeopardy.
Collective Decision Against Leadership Chaos
Miliband suggested that Labour MPs had ultimately reconsidered their position after contemplating the potential consequences of forcing a leadership change. The prospect of a "chaotic" transition similar to those experienced under previous Conservative administrations appeared to concentrate minds within the party.
"As a collective body—the Cabinet, the Labour Party—looked at the alternatives of going down this road of a chaotic leadership election, trying to depose the Prime Minister, and they said: 'No, that's not for us,'" Miliband explained. He emphasized that the focus should remain on supporting Starmer while recognizing that serious errors had occurred, allowing the Prime Minister time to "renew the government, reset the government and focus on the country."
The Cabinet's visible display of unity and the Prime Minister's expressions of gratitude suggest that, for now, Starmer has weathered this particular political storm, though challenges undoubtedly remain as the government seeks to regain momentum and public confidence.
