Wes Streeting has been accused of orchestrating a coup against Sir Keir Starmer after claims emerged he talked to Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar two days before Mr Sarwar called on the prime minister to resign.
Sources said the pair are thought to have discussed the current political situation in the Labour party, with many blaming the health secretary for Mr Sarwar’s intervention, according to the Telegraph.
As Cabinet ministers were ordered to declare their public support for Mr Starmer, Mr Streeting chose to reveal text messages exchanged with Lord Peter Mandelson in an attempt at damage control late on Monday.
A spokesperson for Mr Streeting said he “did not ask Anas to do this; he did not coordinate with Anas on this.”
They continued: “At the same time as Wes was in an interview saying that Keir needed a chance to set out his case and his plan, No10 was briefing that Wes had told Anas Sarwar to make his statement. This is the problem.”
It comes as Sir Keir told Labour MPs at a meeting on Monday evening he is “not prepared to walk away” from his mandate and would not resign.
The PM is fighting for his political survival after losing his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and director of communications Tim Allan within 24 hours of each other.
Read MoreAs Tim Allan quits No 10, will Keir Starmer be the last man standing?
Sadiq Khan says his ‘ultimate goal’ is to reverse Brexit
Will Starmer resign as prime minister and who could replace him?
Key Points
- Starmer says he's 'not prepared to walk away'
- Cabinet ministers back Starmer
- No 10 says Starmer won't resign despite Sarwar's calls
- Rayner joins calls for Starmer to stay
- Lammy, Reeves back rally behind Starmer as calls for him to quit mount
- PM must resign, Scottish Labour leader says
Watch: The rise and fall of Morgan McSweeney
06:30 , Maira ButtRecap: Starmer says he won't resign and urges MPs to unite against Reform
06:00 , Maira ButtSir Keir Starmer held a meeting with the parliamentary Labour party on Monday in which he said he was “not prepared to walk away” from his mandate and his responsibilities as prime minister.
He urged his party to unite against Reform and said that he had “never lost a fight”.
It comes after several cabinet ministers backed his leadership after Scottish Labour leader called on him to resign after controversy surrounding the mention of Lord Peter Mandelson in the latest release of the Epstein files.
Mr Starmer’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, largely credited with Labour’s win at the last election and his director of communications Tim Allan resigned within 24 hours of each other.
MPs grilled the PM over his appointment of Matthew Doyle to the House of Lords.
The government is committed to release of all files pertaining to Lord Mandelson and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, said chief secretary to the prime minister, Darren Jones, in an address to the House of Commons on Monday.
Health secretary Wes Streeting chose to get ahead of any controversy by releasing his texts with Mandelson himself. He accused Israel of “war crimes” in the exchanges, said the government had no plan for economic growth and believed himself to be “toast” at the next general election.
A website named angelaforleader.co.uk was briefly published in January, prompting speculation that Angela Rayner could have been preparing for a bid for the Labour leadership, according to the Guardian.
Streeting publishes his texts to Mandelson, revealing criticism of Starmer’s government
05:00 , Maira ButtWes Streeting has published his private messages with disgraced former Labour peer Peter Mandelson, revealing his criticism of Keir Starmer’s government.
After days of speculation over his political relationship and friendship with Lord Mandelson, Mr Streeting passed his text messages to Sky News in a bid to clear the air.
The Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
Streeting publishes texts to Mandelson, revealing criticism of Starmer’s government
Starmer: 'I'm not prepared to walk away'
04:00 , Maira ButtThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
The prime minister has said that he will not resign after mounting pressure to step down.
“I have had my detractors every step along the way, and I've got them now,” he told a meeting of the parliamentary Labour party on Monday.
“Detractors that don't want a Labour government at all, and certainly not one to succeed.
“But I'll tell you this, after having fought so hard for the chance to change our country, I'm not prepared to walk away from my mandate and my responsibility to my country, or to plunge us into chaos, as others have done.”
Sarwar reveals he spoke to Starmer about resignation: 'We disagreed'
03:00 , Maira ButtIn a last-minute news conference Scottish leader Anas Sarwar said he felt compelled to do what was right for Scotland in calling on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign.
“The situation in Downing Street is not good enough,” he said. “There have been too many mistakes. They promised they were going to be different, but too much has happened.”
He confirmed he spoke to Mr Starmer earlier today, adding: “It's safe to say that he and I disagreed.”
Scottish leader Sarwar says it was 'painful' decision to call on 'friend' Starmer to resign
02:00 , Maira ButtScottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has shared that it was a “painful” decision to call on Keir Starmer to resign.
“There is probably no one in Scottish politics that’s had a better relationship with Keir Starmer or a closer friendship with Keir Starmer than I have,” he told reporters on Monday afternoon.
Mr Sarwar said of Starmer: “He is someone that I have campaigned alongside, worked alongside for the last five years in my role as leader, someone that I campaigned ferociously for to make sure we could get rid of a Tory government, and someone who I have supported in the last 18 months.
“So does this cause me personal hurt and pain? Of course, it does.”
Government 'committed to publishing all relevant documents' says PM chief secretary
01:00 , Maira ButtThe UK government has reiterated its commitment to release all of the remaining files associated with disgraced paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, but did not give a deadline for their release.
“The government is committed to publishing all relevant documents in line with the motion agreed by the House, and is working at pace to do so,” chief secretary to the prime minister, Darren Jones, told the House of Commons on Monday.
He said the government is dedicated to being “transparent as soon as possible and in full compliance with the motion.”
He added: “The Prime Minister has asked the Cabinet Secretary to liaise with the Intelligence and Security Committee, and I will ensure that the House is kept updated on this work.”
Highlights from Starmer's Labour meeting on Monday
00:01 , Maira ButtThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
No 10 would not confirm whether Prime Minister Keir Starmer had talked to Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar after he called on him to resign.
Mr Starmer’s demeanour was “incredibly determined” at the meeting in the face of the mounting pressure to step down.
During the address, MPs urged the party to unite behind the PM’s leadership and rejected the idea of turning inwards, which would only help the Tories and Reform.
The Prime Minister said he took full responsibility for appointing Mandelson and that it was wrong.
'McChicken Coup' orchestrated by Streeting, say sources
Monday 9 February 2026 23:45 , Maira ButtSources say that several politicians and government employees blame health secretary Wes Streeting for Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar’s call for Sir Keir Starmer to resign, according to the Telegraph.
“Everyone from the PM down to the most junior bag carrier knows who was behind the McChicken Coup,” said one source, referring to an alleged plot to use Morgan McSweeney’s resignation as an opportunity. “And his name rhymes with Les Weeting.”
Another added: “Today’s events were so clearly manipulated and co-ordinated by the Wes Streeting campaign, but they catastrophically failed when he bottled it [by not resigning too].“
“He doesn’t have the kind of support he thinks he does and today proves it, not least because of his very close and long-standing relationship with Peter Mandelson.”
Mr Streeting’s team have vehemently denied the claims.
Wes Streeting accused of orchestrating 'coup' against Starmer
Monday 9 February 2026 23:37 , Maira ButtWes Streeting is accused of orchestrating a coup against Sir Keir Starmer after it emerged he talked to Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar two days before Mr Sarwar called on the prime minister to resign.
Sources said the pair are thought to have discussed the current political situation in the Labour party, with many blaming the health secretary for Mr Sarwar’s intervention, according to the Telegraph.
As Cabinet ministers were ordered to declare their public support for Mr Starmer, Mr Streeting chose to reveal text messages exchanged with Lord Peter Mandelson in an attempt at damage control late on Monday.
A spokesperson for Mr Streeting said he “did not ask Anas to do this; he did not coordinate with Anas on this.”
They continued: “At the same time as Wes was in an interview saying that Keir needed a chance to set out his case and his plan, No10 was briefing that Wes had told Anas Sarwar to make his statement. This is the problem.”
Editorial: Sir Keir is the loneliest PM – but he must stay in office
Monday 9 February 2026 23:10 , Maira ButtWith his allies draining away, Sir Keir Starmer finds himself in a similar position to the one that Tony Blair found himself in after nine years in Downing Street. Except that the current incumbent has arrived at the same point after just 19 months.
Under siege over what was clearly a disastrous decision to appoint the now disgraced Peter Mandelson to the role of ambassador to the US, Sir Keir looks like the loneliest prime minister ever to have stepped through the door of No 10.
Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, has become the first senior party figure to urge Sir Keir to quit, saying: “The leadership in Downing Street has to change.” He may have thought he was softening the blow by referring to the prime minister as his “friend”, but in the context, it gave small comfort. The number of cabinet ministers who scrambled to Sir Keir’s aid only served to draw attention to the debased position in which he now finds himself.
Sir Keir is the loneliest PM – but he must stay in office
Streeting publishes his texts to Mandelson, revealing criticism of Starmer’s government
Monday 9 February 2026 22:40 , Maira ButtWes Streeting has published his private messages with disgraced former Labour peer Peter Mandelson, revealing his criticism of Keir Starmer’s government.
After days of speculation over his political relationship and friendship with Lord Mandelson, Mr Streeting passed his text messages to Sky News in a bid to clear the air.
But they revealed that Mr Streeting believed he “is toast at the next election” and, as one of Sir Keir’s most senior ministers, he lambasted the government for having no economic growth strategy and policy on Israel’s “war crimes”.
Lord Mandelson’s downfall has brought Sir Keir to the brink of losing his premiership as he faced Labour MPs on Monday night to plead to be given more time.
The Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
Streeting publishes texts to Mandelson, revealing criticism of Starmer’s government
Opposition MPs wishing for 'chaos', says Labour minister
Monday 9 February 2026 22:10 , Maira ButtMembers of the opposition who are calling on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign are looking for “chaos”, chief secretary to the PM, Darren Jones, said on Monday.
Pete Wishart, the SNP’s deputy Westminster leader, told the Commons the only statement that his constituents want today “is a resignation statement”.
He added: “What we need is a Government that will end this chaos. They promised to end this chaos when they came to power. Instead, it’s through the stratosphere.”
Mr Jones responded: “(Mr Wishart) seems to be wishing for more chaos in our country.
“The public voted to end that at the last general election, and that’s why this Government’s getting on for delivering change for people across the country.”
Watch: Lucy Powell says Keir Starmer has her full support following Epstein-Mandelson fallou
Monday 9 February 2026 21:55 , Maira ButtStarmer acknowledges his operation not 'open or inclusive' enough
Monday 9 February 2026 21:40 , Maira ButtPrime Minister Keir Starmer is reported to have acknowledged that his operation had not been “open or inclusive enough” and pledged to give more weight to the views of the parliamentary Labour party in a meeting described by MPs present as broadly positive towards Sir Keir.
Mr Starmer was defiant after mounting pressure on him to step down.
“After having fought so hard for the chance to change our country, I’m not prepared to walk away from my mandate and my responsibility to my country, or to plunge us into chaos as others have done.”
Watch: The rise and fall of Morgan McSweeney
Monday 9 February 2026 21:25 , Maira ButtComment: Keir Starmer’s dizzying fall shows the UK is now becoming ungovernable
Monday 9 February 2026 21:08 , Maira ButtThese are dark days for Keir Starmer, for Britain, and for democracy. If the prime minister resigns over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US, what will it tell us about the state we’re in? Even if Starmer stays and presses on, he will be a mortally wounded figure – and it will only be a matter of when, not if.
We are in a bad place as a country. Our governance is rotten; our political class is fragmenting before our eyes. Of course, Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage will argue that this is not true, that it is merely a Labour problem – and one that their respective parties can resolve. But should we put our faith in a Conservative successor to Boris Johnson and Liz Truss? Or in someone who lied about Brexit and accepts money from donors with no obvious allegiance to this country?
Contrary to what they maintain, it is not a single-party issue. There were plenty of figures from across the political divide who applauded Mandelson in his role, Farage included.
Chris Blackhurst reports:
Keir Starmer’s dizzying fall shows the UK is now becoming ungovernable
Cabinet secretary could resign in days, say sources
Monday 9 February 2026 20:46 , Maira ButtCabinet secretary Chris Wormald is rumoured to be quitting government, according to reports in the Guardian.
It comes shortly after Keir Starmer’s former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and communications director Tim Allan resigned.
A government source said the “writing is on the wall” for Wormald, after he was viewed as a “disastrous” appointment.
It comes amid suggestions that the Prime Minister could switch up his cabinet after a crisis sparked by the latest release of the Epstein files.
The Independent has contacted Mr Wormald for comment.
Full story: Keir Starmer clings on as another aide quits and Scottish leader urges him to step down after ‘too many mistakes’
Monday 9 February 2026 20:34 , Maira ButtSir Keir Starmer is clinging on to power with the support of key cabinet figures – even after being rocked by the departure of a second key aide, and a public demand for his resignation by Labour’s own leader in Scotland.
The prime minister was supported by colleagues, including former deputy Angela Rayner, as previously loyal Anas Sarwar urged him to step down over the Mandelson-Epstein scandal, saying he had made “too many mistakes”.
On a day of drama, the PM was also hit by the resignation of Downing Street director of communications Tim Allan, less than 24 hours after chief of staff Morgan McSweeney resigned.
But Sir Keir insisted: “I am going nowhere.”
Starmer loses another top aide but clings on – for now
Starmer grilled by MPs over Matthew Doyle appointment
Monday 9 February 2026 20:17 , Maira ButtThe PM was questioned over the appointment of former Downing Street director of communications Matthew Doyle to the House of Lords.
Doyle has faced scrutiny over ties to convicted sex offender and paedophile Sean Morton.
Sir Keir Starmer nominated his former adviser for a peerage despite him having previously campaigned for the councillor charged with child sex offences.
Downing Street admitted that Mr Doyle’s links with Morton were “thoroughly investigated” before he was nominated.
“Several of my colleagues were very forthright,” a Labour MP told the BBC as they left the room.
“The message got across that things need to change and change quickly.”
PM urges Labour to 'unite' to beat Reform
Monday 9 February 2026 20:03 , Maira ButtSir Keir Starmer urged Labour MPs and peers to unite in the fight against Nigel Farage's Reform UK.
He described the battle with Reform as the “fight of our lives, the fight of our times”.
He added: “It goes to the heart and soul of who we are as a party, as a government, and as a country, what it is to be British... And if they ever get in, they will divide, divide, divide. And it will tear this beautiful country apart. That is the fight of our times.”
Sir Keir told the packed committee room in the House of Commons: “As long as I have breath in my body, I'll be in that fight, on behalf of the country that I love and I believe in, against those that want to tear it up.
“That is my fight, that is all of our fight, and we're in this together.”
Starmer: 'I'm not prepared to walk away'
Monday 9 February 2026 20:02 , Maira ButtThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
The prime minister has said that he will not resign after mounting pressure to step down.
“I have had my detractors every step along the way, and I've got them now,” he told a meeting of the parliamentary Labour party on Monday.
“Detractors that don't want a Labour government at all, and certainly not one to succeed.
“But I'll tell you this, after having fought so hard for the chance to change our country, I'm not prepared to walk away from my mandate and my responsibility to my country, or to plunge us into chaos, as others have done.”
PM tells Labour meeting: 'I have won every fight I've ever been in'
Monday 9 February 2026 19:53 , Maira ButtThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Sir Keir Starmer told a meeting at the parliamentary Labour party this evening that he had “won every fight I’ve ever been in”.
The Prime Minister faced a crisis after two resignations and mounting pressure to resign himself.
“I have won every fight I've ever been in,” he said in his address.
“I fought to change the Crown Prosecution Service so it better served victims of violence against women and girls.
“I fought to change the Labour Party to allow us to win an election again.
“People told me I couldn't do it. And then they gradually said, you might just get over the line.
“We won with a landslide majority. Every fight I've been in, I have won.”
Starmer pays tribute to McSweeney at Labour meeting
Monday 9 February 2026 19:51 , Maira ButtThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute to Morgan McSweeney at a meeting of the parliamentary Labour party this evening.
Mr McSweeney stepped down over the weekend after his involvement in the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.
Mr Starmer reflected on starting his career taking on the British National Party and added that he would not be there today if was not for McSweeney.
The PM pledged that change goes far beyond who sits where in No 10.
He talked very passionately about having the most working-class cabinet behind him.
Highlights from Starmer's Labour meeting this evening
Monday 9 February 2026 19:47 , Maira ButtThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
No 10 would not confirm whether Prime Minister Keir Starmer had talked to Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar after he called on him to resign.
Mr Starmer’s demeanour was “incredibly determined” at the meeting in the face of the mounting pressure to step down.
During the address, MPs urged the party to unite behind the PM’s leadership and rejected the idea of turning inwards, which would only help the Tories and Reform.
The Prime Minister said he took full responsibility for appointing Mandelson and that it was wrong.
Starmer escapes serious attack at meeting of Labour MPs
Monday 9 February 2026 19:38 , Maira ButtThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
A Labour MP told the Independent the meeting was “Largely a waste of time. It's like a different planet. He survives another day.”
Another said: “It’s drip drip now anyway so Anas [Sarwar] will probably end up being right but it's a rough couple of days in the meantime.”
MPs praise 'very good' discussion as Labour party meeting ends
Monday 9 February 2026 19:25 , Maira ButtThe Independent’s Whitehall editor reports:
After the meeting Rachel Reeves says “lessons will be learnt” and claimed Prime Minister Keir Starmer got a standing ovation.
Ed Miliband and Lucy Powell said the meeting was “very good” as they left the PLP.
Labour party is 'fully behind' Starmer, says Nandy
Monday 9 February 2026 19:19 , Maira ButtLisa Nandy has told the BBC that the Labour Party is “fully behind’ the prime minister after he faced mounting pressure to resign.
“Respectfully, I strongly disagree with Anas,” she said, while acknowledging Sir Keir Starmer made a “mistake”.
“We will go out and do the job that we were elected to do...we are all fully behind the prime minister,” she said.
Opposition MPs wishing for 'chaos', says Labour minister
Monday 9 February 2026 19:08 , Maira ButtMembers of the opposition who are calling on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign are looking for “chaos”, chief secretary to the PM, Darren Jones, said on Monday.
Pete Wishart, the SNP’s deputy Westminster leader, told the Commons the only statement that his constituents want today “is a resignation statement”.
He added: “What we need is a Government that will end this chaos. They promised to end this chaos when they came to power. Instead, it’s through the stratosphere.”
Mr Jones responded: “(Mr Wishart) seems to be wishing for more chaos in our country.
“The public voted to end that at the last general election, and that’s why this Government’s getting on for delivering change for people across the country.”
Watch: Starmer leaves Downing Street for Labour meeting after calls to resign
Monday 9 February 2026 18:54 , Maira ButtStarmer’s meeting with Labour MPs compared to Custer’s Last Stand
Monday 9 February 2026 18:49 , Maira ButtThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
As he left the meeting of Labour MPs Clive Lewis MP said “a lot of people have been persuaded to turn up to Little Big Horn.”
The battle is also often referred to as Custer's Last Stand, in which several soldiers turned up to fight a losing battle between Native American tribes and US forces.
Starmer delivering address to several rounds of applause
Monday 9 February 2026 18:45 , Maira ButtAs Prime Minister Keir Starmer continues to address the parliamentary Labour parties, several loud rounds of applause can be heard from outside the private meeting, according to the BBC.
“If we could bottle this Keir and show it to the country we’ll walk [the next general election],” said one MP usually critical of Sir Keir, according to the broadcaster.
Streeting shares details of texts with Mandelson
Monday 9 February 2026 18:29 , Maira ButtAs the Labour party meeting gets underway, Wes Streeting has revealed the contents of text messages he exchanged with Lord Peter Mandelson after reports suggested that their communications would be damaging.
In the text messages he is reported to have told Lord Mandelson he would be “toast at the next election” and that the government has “no growth strategy at all”, he shared on Sky News’ Electoral Dysfunction podcast.
He also said Israel is “committing war crimes before our eyes” and engaging in “rogue state behaviour”.
Mr Streeting said he chose to air the exchanges before they were leaked as “sunlight is the best disinfectant”.
PM cheered as he enters committee room for Labour meeting
Monday 9 February 2026 18:13 , Maira ButtThe prime minister has received a prolonged round of applause as he entered a committee room to address the parliamentary Labour party this evening. He entered to cheers and a standing ovation, the BBC reports.
The Independent’s Kate Devlin reports:
Sir Keir Starmer made no comment as he arrived to address a packed meeting of his own MPs. But he did receive a more than 30-second long round of applause at the PLP.
Starmer to address Labour party shortly
Monday 9 February 2026 18:01 , Maira ButtPrime Minister Keir Starmer is to address the parliamentary Labour party shortly.
It comes after several cabinet ministers threw their support behind him after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called on him to resign.
Leaving No 10 this evening Sir Keir Starmer did not address reporters and got into a waiting car.
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney brands Sarwar 'opportunist'
Monday 9 February 2026 17:51 , Maira ButtScotland’s First Minister John Swinney has hit out at Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar for being an “opportunist” in demanding Prime Minister Keir Starmer resign.
“For years, he has been a cheerleader for Keir Starmer and he’s described himself as an old friend of Peter Mandelson, without a moment’s thought for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein,” Mr Swinney told the Press Association.
“And now he suddenly wants us to believe that Keir Starmer should move on, having defended all of the terrible decisions that Keir Starmer has made.”
He added: “What today tells us is that Anas Sarwar is an opportunist, and that he’s prepared to use every opportunity for his own self-preservation.”
He added that Sarwar’s comments had “strengthened” Mr Starmer and confirmed that Mr Sarwar has “absolutely no influence” in the UK-wide Labour party.
The comments come hours after Mr Swinney hit out at the PM for “appalling judgment” for appointing Lord Peter Mandelson and for being in a position of “complete weakness” in the aftermath of the fallout.
“All that’s happened in recent days demonstrates an appalling judgment by the Prime Minister in appointing Peter Mandelson as the ambassador to the United States,” he told BBC Radio Scotland on Monday.
“Although Morgan McSweeney might have resigned, the person that took the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was the Prime Minister and his position is a demonstration of his complete weakness as Prime Minister in the aftermath of this terrible decision.”
Scottish Labour MP 'deeply disappointed' at Sarwar calls for resignation
Monday 9 February 2026 17:43 , Maira ButtScottish Labour MP, and UK government minister Ian Murray has insisted that Anas Sarwar was “wrong” to call for the prime minister to step down.
“The last thing we need is more chaos when the public want a govt on their side tackling the cost of living,” he wrote in a post on social media.
“We inherited a badly failing economy & public services. That takes time to turn around & Keir deserves that time.
“I’m sorry & deeply disappointed that Anas is wrong here.”
Starmer is 'upbeat' and in 'good mood' says Labour deputy leader
Monday 9 February 2026 17:30 , Maira ButtLabour deputy leader Lucy Powell has provided an update on Prime Minister Keir Starmer after mounting pressure on him to resign.
“I spoke to him over the weekend,” she told Sky News on Monday.
“And, you know, we speak quite regularly and, you know, he's in he's in a good mood, you know, he's upbeat.
“He knows that he's got to show people that he understands, why people are upset, why people are frustrated because of appointing Peter Mandelson in the first place.”
Top civil servant to step down
Monday 9 February 2026 17:15 , Maira ButtSir Peter Schofield, the most senior civil servant in the Department for Work and Pensions, has resigned after 35 years in post, according to Sky News.
“I am writing today to tell you that, after a decade in the department and 35 years in the Civil Service, I am stepping down in July,” he wrote in a statement to his departments.
“My decision to leave the department is not one I have taken lightly. It has been an absolute privilege to serve, first as director general, finance and then as your permanent secretary.”
He added: “There is never a good moment to step away from a job like this, but having passed my eight-year anniversary, now feels like a good time to pause and reflect on what I want to do next while spending more time with my family.”
A government source told the broadcaster that eight years is a normal time to spend in a post in the civil service and that work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden is “very sorry” to see him go.
Government 'committed to publishing all relevant documents' says PM chief secretary
Monday 9 February 2026 17:05 , Maira ButtThe UK government has reiterated its commitment to release all of the remaining files associated with disgraced paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, but did not give a deadline for their release.
“We have all been appalled at Jeffrey Epstein’s disgusting crimes and Peter Mandelson’s despicable behaviour,” chief secretary to the prime minister, Darren Jones, told the House of Commons on Monday.
“It is utterly contrary to what the Prime Minister stands for and the values at the heart of this Government. We are resolute in our commitment to fighting men’s violence against women and girls and supporting their victims.”
He added: “The Government is committed to publishing all relevant documents in line with the motion agreed by the House, and is working at pace to do so.
“The Government is committed to being… transparent as soon as possible and in full compliance with the motion. The Prime Minister has asked the Cabinet Secretary to liaise with the Intelligence and Security Committee, and I will ensure that the House is kept updated on this work.”
Government considering use of 'non-corporate communications channels' amid Epstein files fallout
Monday 9 February 2026 16:57 , Maira ButtIn an address to the House of Commons on Monday, Darren Jones, chief secretary to Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government is considering the use of “non-corporate communications channels” after a major fallout from the latest release of the Epstein files.
Mr Jones said that the latest tranche of documents shows “that it has been far too easy to forward sensitive information via unofficial channels” after accusations that Lord Mandelson sent emails from his private account to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
“We will consider whether the current arrangements for the declaration and publication of financial interests for ministers and senior Government officials are sufficient, and whether in the future, regular published financial disclosure forms or other additional transparency measures should be used,” he said.
“We will look closely at our system for providing transparency around lobbying, and it is clear that we should consider, again, the use of non-corporate communications channels within Government.”
He added: “There is a lack of clarity about the use of non-corporate communication channels within government, which has raised concerns about the security of official information.”
'Rayner for leader' site went live briefly in January, say reports
Monday 9 February 2026 16:48 , Maira ButtA website named angelaforleader.co.uk was briefly published in January, prompting speculation that Angela Rayner could have been preparing for a bid for the Labour leadership, according to the Guardian.
Ms Rayner’s team have dismissed the reports and denied any links to the site, calling it a “fake” and “false flag” operation.
Scottish leader Sarwar says it was 'painful' decision to call on 'friend' Starmer to resign
Monday 9 February 2026 16:32 , Maira ButtScottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has shared that it was a “painful” decision to call on Keir Starmer to resign.
“There is probably no one in Scottish politics that’s had a better relationship with Keir Starmer or a closer friendship with Keir Starmer than I have,” he told reporters on Monday afternoon.
Mr Sarwar said of Starmer: “He is someone that I have campaigned alongside, worked alongside for the last five years in my role as leader, someone that I campaigned ferociously for to make sure we could get rid of a Tory government, and someone who I have supported in the last 18 months.
“So does this cause me personal hurt and pain? Of course, it does.”
Sarwar reveals he spoke to Starmer about resignation earlier today: 'We disagreed'
Monday 9 February 2026 16:27 , Maira ButtIn a last-minute news conference Scottish leader Anas Sarwar said he felt compelled to do what was right for Scotland in calling on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign.
“The situation in Downing Street is not good enough,” he said. “There have been too many mistakes. They promised they were going to be different, but too much has happened.”
He confirmed he spoke to Mr Starmer earlier today, adding: “It's safe to say that he and I disagreed.”