Transport Secretary defends Keir Starmer amid staff departures

In the UK, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh defended Prime Minister Keir Starmer amidst recent departures from his team, including Chief of Staff Sue Gray. Haigh emphasized that Starmer has promoted women within his cabinet, highlighting the presence of female leaders such as Rachel Reeves and Angela Rayner. She acknowledged that the government has faced challenges and missteps during its early months, which is common for a new administration. Haigh also noted that the internal review of Downing Street's operations is necessary for effective governance. The Prime Minister's spokesperson confirmed that Starmer is focused on improving the government's functionality and addressing any internal issues, particularly following Gray's exit. This situation reflects the broader context of Labour's transition from opposition to governance, which involves overcoming significant hurdles and establishing a stable operational framework.