Breaking: Keir Starmer‘s Director of Communications,Steph Driver,Resigns
London – Steph Driver has resigned as director of Communications for Prime Minister Keir Starmer,marking the latest in a series of departures from key communications roles within No. 10. Driver’s exit comes just over a week after Paul Ovendon quit as the PM’s director of political strategy, following reports of offensive messages regarding Diane Abbott.
Driver, who previously served as deputy director of communications, was a constant presence at Starmer’s side, particularly throughout the recent election campaign, and was known for her loyalty and composure. She played a “leading role in transforming the Labor party and delivering our historic general election win,” according too Starmer.
Her departure follows that of James Lyons, No 10 director of communications for strategy, who left after a year in the role. A subsequent reshuffle led to the appointment of Tim Allan, a former advisor to Tony Blair and funder of the PR firm Portland, as executive director of government communications in September. Allan’s position was more senior than the roles previously held by Driver and Lyons.
Sources indicate Driver’s decision to step down followed conversations with Starmer and chief of staff Morgan McSweeney regarding the new communications team structure, and occurred after a period of leave for a family bereavement.
“Steph Driver has been a loyal and valued member of my team for almost five years,” Starmer stated. “I will for ever be grateful for her calm, wise counsel, leadership and humour. I wish her all the best in her undoubted onward success.”
Driver herself said, “It has been an honor to work with and advise keir through opposition and into government…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.”
Prior to Driver’s promotion, Matthew Doyle, also a veteran of the Blair years, served as communications chief but announced his resignation in March after nine months in the role.
