Labour civil war erupts as Lisa Nandy set to be ousted for ‘not working hard enough’
A political storm is brewing in Westminster as whispers grow louder about a major Cabinet shake-up. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy finds herself squarely in the firing line, with senior government figures privately questioning her work ethic. “She treats this like a part-time job,” one frustrated official remarked, suggesting the Wigan MP dedicates barely two days a week to her sprawling digital, culture and sport brief.
The criticism cuts deeper than just workload concerns. Several colleagues have noted Nandy’s apparent fixation with the sport portfolio while other crucial areas like digital policy languish. This perceived imbalance hasn’t gone unnoticed in Number 10, where aides are compiling lists of underperforming ministers ahead of a potential post-election reshuffle.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson also faces an uncertain future, with growing murmurs about her ability to drive through Labour’s ambitious schools reforms. The timing couldn’t be more delicate – with crucial local elections just weeks away, Starmer’s team appears to be conducting quiet auditions for a government refresh should results disappoint.
Behind the scenes, a more troubling narrative is emerging about the targeting of female ministers. Veteran MP Meg Hillier has publicly called out what she sees as coordinated briefing against women in top jobs. “This isn’t just about competence,” one ally of Nandy argued. “There’s a purge mentality at work here, with certain factions wanting to clear out anyone with left-leaning credentials.”
The reshuffle rumors come amid unusual turbulence in Downing Street’s senior ranks. The abrupt departure of communications chief Matthew Doyle after less than a year has raised eyebrows, while the earlier exits of heavyweights like Sue Gray have left visible gaps in Starmer’s inner circle.
As the political temperature rises, ministers are watching their backs. With Labour’s poll lead narrowing, Starmer faces a delicate balancing act – how to rejuvenate his team without fueling perceptions of disarray. One thing seems certain: after years of opposition, some in Labour’s top ranks are discovering that governing is far harder than critiquing from the sidelines.
