Two senior Downing Street exits in 24 hours as Anas Sarwar breaks ranks, but ministers insist the Prime Minister is staying put

PRESSURE continued to mount on Keir Starmer today (Monday) after two of his closest advisers resigned within 24 hours and the leader of Scottish Labour publicly called on him to step down.

The rapid series of events has fuelled growing speculation about the Prime Minister’s authority inside his own party, with critics describing the situation in Downing Street as chaotic and poorly handled.

Starmer first lost his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who stepped aside after taking responsibility for recommending the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to Washington.

Within hours, his director of communications, Tim Allan, also quit, saying a new team should take charge of the government’s messaging.

Two departures at that level in a single day are highly unusual and immediately prompted questions in Westminster about stability at the centre of government.

The crisis deepened further when Anas Sarwar broke ranks and urged Starmer to resign, arguing that the ongoing Mandelson controversy was becoming a damaging distraction and risked harming Labour’s prospects, particularly in Scotland.

Sarwar is the most senior Labour figure so far to publicly question the Prime Minister’s position.

A row that would not go away

The Mandelson appointment was initially seen as a difficult but containable judgement call. Supporters pointed to his experience and international contacts, while critics raised concerns about his past links to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

However, instead of fading, the story has dragged on for days, prompting criticism of how Downing Street has handled the fallout.

Several Labour MPs privately admit the issue is no longer the appointment itself but the perception that the government has been slow and defensive in responding.

One senior backbencher said: “It’s not the decision that hurts you. It’s looking like you’re not in control.”

Who is backing Starmer

Despite the noise, Starmer still retains public support from much of the Cabinet.

Allies say he remains focused on governing and has no intention of stepping down. Downing Street sources insist he is “getting on with the job” and dismiss talk of an imminent leadership challenge.

Senior ministers have urged colleagues to rally around the Prime Minister rather than fuel instability.

There is currently no formal mechanism under way to remove him, and no obvious successor waiting in the wings.

Political risk growing

Nevertheless, the optics are uncomfortable.

Two senior resignations in quick succession, combined with a public call to quit from within Labour’s own ranks, risk creating the impression of a government losing control of its message.

That perception matters.

Prime ministers are rarely forced out over a single decision. They fall when their own MPs begin to doubt that they can win the next election.

With Reform UK continuing to dominate headlines with simple, punchy messaging and Labour struggling to explain its record, some backbenchers fear that continued communication missteps could erode confidence further.

For now, Starmer remains in office.

But after the past 24 hours, questions about his leadership are no longer confined to the opposition benches.

They are coming from inside his own party.

KIDNEY RESEARCH UK has launched a new dedicated online forum specially created to give people living with kidney disease and the families and carers who support them a safe and supportive space to talk, learn from each other and share experiences. 

Shaped with help from Welsh patients, the forum offers a dedicated community space for the more than 377,000 people in Wales thought to be living with kidney disease. 

Free to use, the new forum, called Kidney Community, creates a single, safe space where people can connect with others who understand their experiences, ask questions, share practical advice and find support, no matter what stage of the kidney disease journey they are at. 

Kidney Community is open to kidney patients at all stages of the disease, people with a higher risk of developing it, and anyone affected by a diagnosis in their family or friendship groups. 

The forum will be continually supported by Kidney Research UK’s team, helping to ensure discussions are informed, respectful and grounded in trusted information. It has been co-developed with kidney patients and carers to ensure it reflects real needs, concerns and priorities. 

Darren Daniel from Ammanford in southwest Wales helped with the forum’s development. Diagnosed with kidney disease in 2017, Darren has used social media, including TikTok, to raise awareness of kidney health and the realities of living with long-term illness. His experience of connecting with others helped inform the development of the forum. 

Darren said: “When I started sharing my kidney journey online, I saw just how many people were desperate for somewhere to talk honestly about what they were going through. Helping shape this forum felt like a natural next step – making sure it’s real, accessible and driven by the questions people actually ask, not medical jargon.” 

“This forum takes that sense of community and gives it a safe home, backed by Kidney Research UK. It means people don’t have to scroll endlessly or rely on misinformation. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into treatment, there’s power in knowing others understand your day-to-day reality, and that support is only a conversation away.” 

Sandra Currie, chief executive of Kidney Research UK, said: “Many people affected by kidney disease tell us they feel unsure where to turn for support. This forum brings patients and carers together in one place, so they can feel heard as part of a community, with access to information and shared experience at every stage of kidney disease. We are providing a safe, welcoming space where every question and every story matters.” 

The launch builds on Kidney Research UK’s long-standing commitment to ensuring the voices of patients and families help shape research, services and support. Existing supporters, volunteers and members of the charity’s Kidney Voices for Research network were among the first invited to join. 

The forum is now live and free to access at kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org  

WALES is marking Apprenticeship Week Wales 2026 with claims of record progress on jobs and training – but legal leaders say one profession is still being left out.

The Welsh Government says more than 100,000 apprenticeships have now been delivered during the current Senedd term, a milestone ministers describe as transforming routes into work for thousands of people across construction, engineering, health, energy and creative industries.

Events are taking place throughout the week to showcase apprentices and employers, with colleges, businesses and job centres highlighting success stories and new opportunities for school leavers and career-changers alike.

However, the Law Society of England and Wales says Wales risks falling behind in one crucial area – access to legal apprenticeships.

Legal gap raised

While many sectors now offer clear apprenticeship pathways up to degree level, the Society says aspiring solicitors in Wales have fewer advanced training options than their counterparts in England.

In particular, it has called for the introduction of Level 7 solicitor apprenticeships in Wales, which would allow trainees to qualify while earning, rather than having to fund lengthy university and postgraduate study or move across the border for opportunities.

The body argues that without those routes, talented young people – especially from lower-income or rural communities – may be priced out of legal careers altogether.

It says the issue is not just about jobs, but about access to justice, with fewer locally trained lawyers potentially affecting high street firms and community legal services.

More than a celebration

Apprenticeship Week Wales, running from February 9 to 15, is intended to promote vocational training as an equal alternative to university.

Supporters say apprenticeships help businesses fill skills gaps while allowing learners to earn a wage and avoid student debt.

Colleges across west Wales are using the week to spotlight programmes in marine engineering, hospitality, construction and health and social care, with employers reporting improved retention and productivity from “grow your own” talent.

But campaigners say the legal sector highlights a wider question: whether all professions are keeping pace with the apprenticeship model.

Local opportunity

For communities like Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, where young people often leave the area for work or study, expanding higher-level apprenticeships could mean more skilled jobs staying local.

Education leaders say stronger vocational routes could help retain talent and support small and medium-sized businesses struggling to recruit.

As the week’s celebrations continue, the message from legal leaders is clear: apprenticeships are working – but only if every profession is included.

Without broader access, they warn, Wales risks creating opportunity in some careers while quietly closing doors in others.