Lobby Catches Up With Growing Split in Downing Street Policy Operation – Guido Fawkes

Lobby Catches Up With Growing Split in Downing Street Policy Operation

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Yesterday morning Guido revealed that chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and political director Claire Reynolds were in the firing line for the chaos surrounding the welfare bill rebellion. Guido also revealed a climbdown was planned…

Come the evening and almost every paper had a verbose “long-read” which claimed to have the inside track on Downing Street:

• The Times said Claire Reynolds was accused of failing to foresee the rebellion.
• The Guardian reported that concessions would be given to get the bill across.
• The FT reported that Morgan McSweeney was under fire. Reynolds didn’t get a mention in that prose-filled piece – curious…

All covered on these pixels ten hours previously. Dead tree press…

There is a growing split when it comes to policy in No10 – it is not just backbenchers who are opposed to McSweeney’s direction of travel. One Downing Street source speaking to Guido criticises the chief of staff’s “misplaced sense of righteousness on the benefits of a hardline on welfare.” Difficult to push reform through when you’re leading the party of benefits…

McSweeney is blamed for over-exposing Starmer on policy terms. One Downing Street insider tells Guido “he forgets that he doesn’t actually work for Farage.” Blushes in Millbank Tower…

Guido has ears everywhere and will deliver co-conspirators the inside liner first. ‘Phase 2’ of Labour government is distinctly more economically interventionist. Expect further shifts in direction of travel after this humiliating rebellion…