KEIR Starmer's director of communications has become the latest senior aide to quit Downing Street.
Steph Driver, who has worked alongside the Prime Minister for five years, said the Labour Government continued to have her “unwavering support”, as she announced her departure on Thursday.
Starmer said he would be “forever grateful” for Driver’s “calm, wise counsel, leadership and humour,” as first reported by the Guardian.
Her departure comes nearly a month after the Prime Minister carried out a shake-up of his No 10 operation which he had intended to mark the start of his “second phase” of Government, and days before Labour’s annual party conference in Liverpool.
But political upheaval has continued to dominate in the following weeks, leaving the party in disarray.
Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner resigned from the Government amid a row over her tax affairs, leading to a dramatic Cabinet reshuffle which saw Ian Murray sacked as Scottish Secretary.
Starmer's ex-senior advisor Paul Ovenden also quit earlier this month after leaked messages revealed he made sexually explicit comments about veteran MP Diane Abbott, while James Lyons – who was No 10 director of communications for strategy – quit after a year in the job.
Meanwhile, Peter Mandelson was sacked as UK ambassador to the US just two weeks ago, after details of his relationship with the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein were exposed.
In a statement on Thursday, Starmer said: “Steph Driver has been a loyal and valued member of my team for almost five years.
“Steph played a leading role in transforming the Labour Party and delivering our historic general election win.
“I will forever be grateful for her calm, wise counsel, leadership and humour. I wish her all the best in her undoubted onward success.”
Driver said: “It has been an honour to work with and advise Keir through opposition and into Government.
“Being part of the team to rebuild and rebrand the Labour Party before securing a historic general election victory is an achievement and experience like no other.
“I’m also proud of what this Government has already delivered, and thank the sharp and talented No 10 press team for their hard work and support during my tenure.
“I’m grateful to the Prime Minister for his continued faith in me and my work, and for his offer of an open door in the future.
“His Labour Government has my unwavering support.”
Driver was a near-constant presence by Starmer's side during the General Election campaign and throughout Labour’s transition to Government, and was widely seen as one of his most loyal and trusted advisers.
After the Prime Minister entered No 10 she initially served as deputy director of communications to Matthew Doyle, who stood down from the role in March after nine months in Downing Street.
