Starmer Seeks Labour Unity After UK’s Chaotic Leadership Spat
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Keir Starmer called for unity within the Labour Party after reports that his health minister planned to mount a challenge for his job, hinting at disarray within the government.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting denied that he planned to oust Starmer, and the opposition seized on the confusion to ask who’s in charge. The UK prime minister said in parliament today that media briefings seeking to portray Streeting as an insurgent were “completely unacceptable.”
The episode put the spotlight on Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who Labour insiders had earlier told us they perceive as responsible for the spectacle. Starmer’s press secretary affirmed that McSweeney still has the premier’s support.
Investors took note of the government’s mounting challenges. The UK stock benchmark was up slightly today, but trailed advances in other major European markets. The pound fell as much as 0.5% against the dollar before paring losses. —
Russian President Vladimir Putin allowed Citigroup to sell its bank inside the country. In a signed presidential order posted today, Putin permitted Renaissance Capital to buy the unit. It’s the latest in a string of banking deals greenlit by Putin, who also allowed Goldman Sachs and ING Groep to sell their local operations.