Keir Starmer Strengthens Downing Street Team in Strategic Mini-Reshuffle
Keir Starmer has taken decisive action to tighten control over his political agenda after a challenging year for the Labour leadership. In a mini-reshuffle, Starmer has brought Darren Jones, Rachel Reeves’ former deputy at the Treasury, into a pivotal role in Downing Street.
Concerns over the focus and direction of the prime minister’s operation have been mounting. Labour remains eight points behind Reform in recent polls, and insiders say there is a growing perception that Starmer has struggled to steer the political narrative.
“Darren Jones has been moved to help strengthen the operation,” a source confirmed.
Mr Jones’ move triggers a chain reaction in the Treasury. He is succeeded as chief Treasury secretary by James Murray, a trusted ally, while Daniel Tomlinson earns a promotion to a junior Treasury ministerial post.
But the headline departure is James Lyons, who joined Downing Street last year to oversee strategic communications. He has now been shown the exit door.
“Mr Lyons is the second major Downing Street departure announced in just a week with Nin Pandit, Starmer’s principal private secretary, also set to leave,” the insider added.
Both Lyons and Pandit were recruited as part of last year’s reset following Baroness Sue Grey’s dismissal as chief of staff.
The reshuffle comes amid criticism of a lack of direction within Downing Street and frustration over Labour’s engagement with backbench MPs. The dissatisfaction reached a peak during the humiliating welfare rebellion just before the summer recess.
Mr Jones’ appointment is designed to inject stronger political leadership into the central operation. It is also expected to provide the prime minister with more insight into Treasury affairs, which have increasingly influenced government policy decisions.
This strategic move signals Starmer’s determination to reclaim control over both his team and the political narrative. Analysts suggest it is an early attempt to stabilise Labour before the next round of crucial parliamentary battles.
