Coffee House Shots Wes for PM?
Nov 12, 2025
Political journalists Tim Shipman and Isabel Hardman dive into a chaotic Westminster scene. They discuss the failed smear against Wes Streeting, revealing how it backfired spectacularly. Streeting's clever media defense boosted his image, while Starmer's strained leadership and disengagement with MPs raise concerns about party unity. The duo explores the Labour Party's identity crisis and Starmer's unclear policy positions, alongside the shifting tone in political debate amidst Tory attacks. Confusion in government messaging only adds to the intrigue.
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Briefings Seemed Coordinated Yet Clumsy
- The briefings against Wes Streeting looked like a coordinated attempt to destabilise Labour leadership but mixed conspiracy with cock-up.
- Tim Shipman says some briefers were merely responding to questions while Downing Street messaging aimed to stress Starmer would fight on and warn markets.
Guardian Scoop Escalated Internal Tensions
- A personal attack on Wes Streeting was pushed to The Guardian and fuelled suspicion around Morgan McSweeney's involvement.
- Shipman says that perception alone is damaging for the Prime Minister and his chief of staff.
Engage Backbenchers To Avoid Public Rows
- Manage your party by personally engaging with backbenchers and using whips to settle disputes before they spill into media.
- Shipman argues other leaders would have banged heads together or threatened careers to stop public rows.