David Lammy criticized his Cabinet colleagues for gossiping about Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves to the media while having drinks. The Deputy PM expressed disappointment over leaks within the Government, particularly regarding his court system reforms. This follows accusations by ministers that the PM and Chancellor misled the Cabinet about a public finances shortfall, with one minister calling the budget handling a disaster.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch took advantage of the Cabinet’s internal briefing conflict during PMQs, mocking ministers and questioning if they were the ones leaking against their own team. Lammy urged Cabinet members to stop undermining Starmer and Reeves in the press, emphasizing the importance of focusing on governance instead of indulging in negative conversations with journalists.
In a podcast interview, Lammy, also the Justice Secretary, voiced his dismay over government leaks, stating that such behavior is counterproductive. He highlighted the leak of his plans to reduce jury trials, which faced backlash but were later adjusted to a three-year threshold. Lammy emphasized his aversion to internal political conflicts and the public’s likely disapproval of such behavior.