Keir Starmer is facing a significant setback as his top communications chief at Downing Street announces her departure. Steph Driver, who has been closely working with Starmer for nearly five years, is the latest high-ranking aide to exit No10 amid a wave of departures. Her resignation comes shortly after the Prime Minister lost his director of strategy, Paul Ovenden.
The ongoing shakeup in Starmer’s team follows the recent dismissal of UK Ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, due to revelations regarding his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Additionally, James Lyons, who previously shared the communications chief role with Driver, also departed from No10 at the beginning of the month.
In an effort to stabilize operations at No10, Starmer initiated a reshuffle within his top team earlier this month following a challenging first year. Notably, highly regarded minister Darren Jones was appointed to a new position as Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister in Downing Street, succeeding Rachel Reeves’s deputy at the Treasury.
Tim Allan, an advisor to former Prime Minister Tony Blair, was brought in by Starmer as the executive director of government communications. Driver’s decision to step down was reportedly influenced by discussions about the restructuring of the communications team and following a period of leave due to a family bereavement.
Expressing his gratitude for Driver’s contributions, Starmer praised her dedication and leadership in shaping the Labour party and securing a significant general election victory. In response, Driver reflected on her pride in being part of the team that revitalized the Labour party and achieving an historic electoral success.
Driver, who had collaborated closely with Starmer during their time in opposition, initially joined No10 as the deputy director of communications after Labour’s election victory last year. Subsequently, she assumed the role of co-director of communications with Lyons after the departure of Matthew Doyle earlier this year.
The recent departure of Mr. Ovenden, following inappropriate messages directed at Diane Abbott, added to the challenges faced by Starmer’s administration. Furthermore, the loss of Chief of Staff Sue Gray due to negative media coverage and speculation has added to the ongoing changes within the Prime Minister’s team.