Ed Miliband says Starmer wants to end ‘class divide’ in push to move past leadership turmoil – UK politics live

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened a high-level cabinet meeting in London on Monday morning to reset his government's agenda following a turbulent week of internal leadership scandals and personnel shifts. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband spearheaded the administration's media defense, appearing on major news outlets to reject claims of instability and emphasize the government's commitment to tackling deep-seated societal issues, such as the UK's historical class divide. The strategic gathering aims to project a sense of unity and renewed purpose as the Labour government faces mounting pressure from both the opposition and internal critics regarding its long-term viability. During an interview on BBC Breakfast, Miliband addressed growing speculation regarding the longevity of Starmer’s premiership. He firmly dismissed suggestions that the Prime Minister’s position was under immediate threat, characterizing the recent wave of negative headlines as a temporary distraction from the government's core legislative goals. Miliband insisted that the administration remains focused on systemic reforms rather than the "palace drama" that has dominated political commentary over the past seven days. The recent turmoil was exacerbated by the high-profile departure of Sue Gray as Starmer's chief of staff, which sparked concerns over a breakdown in Downing Street operations. By shifting the narrative toward ending the "class divide," the Labour leadership is attempting to pivot back to the populist economic platforms that secured their landslide victory. This rebranding effort is seen by political analysts as an essential move to reassure voters that the government has not lost its momentum or its connection to the working-class electorate amidst bureaucratic reshuffling. As the cabinet meeting progressed, ministers were briefed on upcoming policy rollouts intended to address the cost-of-living crisis and energy security. The government is betting that tangible policy successes will eventually overshadow the narrative of administrative chaos. However, the success of this strategy depends heavily on Starmer's ability to maintain discipline within his top team and prevent further leaks regarding internal friction, which have plagued his first few months in office.