Si Keir Starmer’s first year as Prime Minister has been eventful to say the least. Highs include passing bills on rail renationalisation and renters’ rights, while low points were most notably a major rebellion over welfare cuts as well as a series of policy reversals. He has shown that he isn’t afraid to let people go, as he has shown by the removal of top aides in the last year.
Now, he has parted ways with another of his top aides - the third in just 12 months - and the latest being Ninjeri Pandit.
But why have three influential figures left Starmer’s top team?
Here is a look at the key figures who have left Starmer's top team in the order their departures occurred:
Sue Gray
Departure: October 2024
Role: Downing Street Chief of Staff
Sue Gray, the highly respected former senior civil servant known for her Partygate report, was a high-profile appointment to Starmer's team.
However, her time as Chief of Staff was short-lived, ending in October 2024, just a few months after the election. Her exit came as a result of losing an alleged power struggle with Starmer’s chief advisor, Morgan McSweeney.
She was also blamed for communication failures and a slow appointment process for ministers and special advisors. The additional factor of her salary being leaked only exacerbated matters and contributed to the internal friction.
Matthew Doyle
Departure: March 2025
Role: Director of Communications
The former Director of Communications stepped down from his position in March 2025. His resignation seemed amicable, with an email being sent to his team saying “it was time to pass on the baton”. While this was framed as a resignation, the decision came after months of complaints about Labour's media strategy.
Mr Doyle said the political team in Downing Street has been on “quite a journey” and said he will be cheering the government on “from the sidelines”.
Doyle's role was not directly replaced; instead, his responsibilities were split between two other aides, James Lyons and Steph Driver, signaling a desire for a fresh strategy.
Ninjeri Pandit
Departure: August 2025
Role: Principal Private Secretary
The Prime Minister is replacing Ninjeri, as it is understood, he feels that she is ineffective in that role. However, No.10 has contested this with allies of the PM stating that he retained trust and confidence in her. As a result, Starmer will be moving her to a new role leading on Policy delivery at No.10.
Before becoming PPS, Ms Pandit ran the No. 10 policy unit during Rishi Sunak's premiership.
