Ex-Starmer allies plan new Labour force

Dozens of ministers, aides, and Keir Starmer attended a gathering at the Grafton pub in Kentish Town. The event, which took place hours after Starmer's departure from Downing Street, saw a bar tab of £10,000 exhausted by 7pm. As a karaoke session began, some attendees learned they had been removed from their ministerial roles. These departures are viewed by some as a consequence of loyalty to the former prime minister.

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A group of approximately 11 former cabinet ministers, along with other aides, are now contemplating future cooperation. Their aim is to support the government led by Andy Burnham while also being prepared to scrutinise its decisions. One individual present at the party stated that there was significant anger, with competent people losing their positions for not calling for Starmer's resignation.

The departures include Rachel Reeves, who declined the role of education secretary, and Darren Jones, the prime minister's chief secretary. Richard Hermer, the attorney general and a long-time associate of Starmer, and housing secretary Steve Reed were also among those affected. While some dismissals were anticipated as Burnham installed his own allies, others, such as Nick Thomas-Symonds' removal as chief EU negotiator and Hilary Benn's exit as Northern Ireland secretary, were unexpected. Alison Levitt and former Starmer office staff Jenny Chapman and Chris Ward also lost their positions.

One ally of Starmer commented that while Burnham was expected to bring in his own team, the dismissal of those loyal to Starmer while retaining those who called for his departure appeared deliberate. Andy Burnham has stated his cabinet reflects the party and the country, promising a unified approach.

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Scrutiny and Digital ID Scheme

In the interim, Starmer's former ministers and advisors are considering their roles outside the government. Darren Jones publicly raised concerns on Tuesday about the funding of Burnham's plan to abolish the government's digital ID scheme to finance a reduction in VAT on electricity bills. Jones noted that the DigitalID program was unfunded and that the government would need to outline its payment strategy.

This public statement prompted a response from Downing Street, which defended the costing of the policy. Some close to Starmer expressed reservations about Jones's public criticism, suggesting it could appear bitter. However, others believe it is important to continue posing difficult questions. There is discussion about establishing a new WhatsApp group upon the return of MPs in September to coordinate their efforts.

While some individuals may take up committee roles or return to other careers, many possess detailed knowledge of government accounts and priorities, positioning them to scrutinise Burnham's decisions. One ally remarked, "Yes, we know where the bodies are buried... it’s more a case of explaining why we made the decisions we did, and what the downsides are of the ones Burnham might make instead."

Others feel a period of quiet is necessary given Burnham's current support. However, they suggest that his approach to appointments, by not rewarding loyalty to the leader, could have future repercussions.