Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, is facing another setback as his top communications chief at Downing Street is set to depart. Steph Driver, who has been closely working with Mr. Starmer for nearly five years, is the latest senior aide to leave No10 following a string of departures. This move comes shortly after the PM’s director of strategy, Paul Ovenden, stepped down.
Additionally, Mr. Starmer had to dismiss his UK Ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, earlier this month due to revelations about his association with Jeffrey Epstein. James Lyons, who previously shared the communications chief position with Ms. Driver, also left No10 at the beginning of the month.
In an effort to stabilize his No10 team after multiple exits, Mr. Starmer reshuffled his top officials at the start of the month. Darren Jones, a highly regarded minister who previously served as Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s deputy at the Treasury, was appointed as the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister in Downing Street. This restructuring also involved moving his principal private secretary, Nin Pandit, to a new role emphasizing policy delivery.
Tim Allan, a former advisor to Tony Blair in No10, was brought in by Mr. Starmer as the executive director of government communications, the most senior communications role. According to reports, Steph Driver decided to step down following a period of leave for a family bereavement after discussions regarding the new communications team structure.
In a statement, Mr. Starmer praised Steph Driver for her significant contributions to the Labour party and the successful general election campaign. Ms. Driver expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with Mr. Starmer and be part of the government’s achievements. She also commended the hard work and support of the No10 press team during her tenure.
Ms. Driver, who initially joined No10 as deputy director of communications after Labour’s election victory, later took on the role of co-director of communications alongside Mr. Lyons. This recent departure adds to a series of challenges faced by Mr. Starmer, including the resignation of Mr. Ovenden due to inappropriate messages and the departure of his chief of staff, Sue Gray, amidst media scrutiny.
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