Labour war between Starmer and Streeting ramps up as PM faces mounting revolts on jury trials and Hillsborough Law

Keir Starmer is struggling to keep a lid on Labour’s seething civil war today as revolts loom on jury trials and the Hillsborough Law.

The PM’s allies and Wes Streeting have been engaged in more bitter clashes after briefings about the Health Secretary’s alleged leadership jockeying.

Mr Streeting’s camp has complained that the latest briefings against him – suggesting Sir Keir should sack him for disloyalty – were ‘incredibly stupid’. 

Fingers are being pointed at No10 minister Darren Jones, although he has apparently denied any involvement. 

Meanwhile, the government is bracing for more trouble in a crunch vote on the Hillsborough Law tomorrow. The Bill would impose a duty of candour on state officials, to prevent cover-ups.

Allies of Keir Starmer and Wes Streeting have been engaged in more bitter clashes after briefings about the Health Secretary’s alleged leadership jockeying

Amendments proposed by the Government last week brought spies within the scope of the legislation, but campaigners – and many Labour MPs – have warned that making the duty subject to the approval of the head of their service leaves a loophole.

Backbenchers have tabled rival changes that could attract significant support in the Commons.

A mutiny on proposals to curb the right to jury trials is also gathering pace, as Sir Keir fights to maintain discipline on multiple fronts.

There are claims that two ministers are ready to quit unless Justice Secretary David Lammy thinks again on the controversial plans.

The dramatic defection of Robert Jenrick from the Tories to Reform on Thursday sparked a fresh wave of red-on-red attacks on Mr Streeting.

Insiders suggested that Sir Keir should emulate Kemi Badenoch’s strong response to disloyalty, which saw her kick Mr Jenrick out of the party for plotting to switch parties.

Having apparently been caught out ‘mid-plot’, the former shadow justice secretary was silent for hours before finally being unveiled as a new Reform MP at a press conference alongside Nigel Farage. 

There are claims that two ministers are ready to quit unless Justice Secretary David Lammy (pictured next to Keir Starmer at Cabinet) thinks again on controversial jury trial plans

A spokesman for Mr Streeting said: ‘It’s a real shame that Keir’s so-called allies are briefing against Wes yet again, when they should be talking about the second biggest fall in waiting lists in 15 years, and ambulances arriving 15 minutes faster with Labour.

‘Given Reform and the Tories are at each other’s throats right now, this briefing is also incredibly stupid.

‘Wes is delivering real change in the NHS, and is out there making the case for Keir and for Labour.’