Yvette Cooper Defends Keir Starmer Amid Claims from New Book
Home Secretary defends Starmer's leadership as new book raises questions about his style
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has defended UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership following claims made in a new book about Starmer’s leadership style.
The book, 'Get In,' by journalists Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund, suggests some within Starmer's inner circle are not fully convinced of his leadership abilities.
An extract published in the Sunday Times cited Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s chief of staff, describing him as 'like an HR manager, not a leader,' raising concerns about Starmer’s perceived timidity.
A government source denied these claims, urging that anonymous briefings should not be taken seriously.
Cooper, speaking on the BBC’s 'Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg,' emphasized Starmer's clear vision for change, noting his commitment to specific policy goals, including building 1.5 million homes in England, achieving 95% clean power by 2030, and reducing waiting times for NHS procedures.
She highlighted that Starmer stands for 'respect and hard work,' and has a clear agenda for making the country work for working people.
The book also suggests that Starmer's leadership is sometimes likened to being at the helm of a driverless train, with critics implying he may not have full control over his own agenda.
Additionally, the book claims Starmer employed an actor, Leonie Mellinger, as a voice coach during the pandemic, prompting criticisms from the Conservative Party over her designation as a 'key worker.'
McSweeney, who had previously served as Starmer’s chief of staff before being appointed again, is credited with playing a key role in the party’s electoral success.
Despite the book's revelations, Cooper’s defense stresses Starmer's focus on 'real determination to change the country.'
The book, 'Get In,' by journalists Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund, suggests some within Starmer's inner circle are not fully convinced of his leadership abilities.
An extract published in the Sunday Times cited Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s chief of staff, describing him as 'like an HR manager, not a leader,' raising concerns about Starmer’s perceived timidity.
A government source denied these claims, urging that anonymous briefings should not be taken seriously.
Cooper, speaking on the BBC’s 'Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg,' emphasized Starmer's clear vision for change, noting his commitment to specific policy goals, including building 1.5 million homes in England, achieving 95% clean power by 2030, and reducing waiting times for NHS procedures.
She highlighted that Starmer stands for 'respect and hard work,' and has a clear agenda for making the country work for working people.
The book also suggests that Starmer's leadership is sometimes likened to being at the helm of a driverless train, with critics implying he may not have full control over his own agenda.
Additionally, the book claims Starmer employed an actor, Leonie Mellinger, as a voice coach during the pandemic, prompting criticisms from the Conservative Party over her designation as a 'key worker.'
McSweeney, who had previously served as Starmer’s chief of staff before being appointed again, is credited with playing a key role in the party’s electoral success.
Despite the book's revelations, Cooper’s defense stresses Starmer's focus on 'real determination to change the country.'
