Overview

• Steph Driver announced she is leaving her post as Downing Street’s head of communications.
• Driver has worked closely with Keir Starmer for about five years, serving as his opposition communications chief before becoming deputy and then director at No 10.
• Her departure follows recent senior exits including Paul Ovendon last week and James Lyons earlier this month, after Matthew Doyle resigned in March.
• The communications shake-up brought in former Blair adviser Tim Allan as executive director of government communications, a role above the existing directors.
• Starmer praised Driver’s role in Labour’s transformation and election win, and Driver voiced pride in the government’s work and continued support, with some reports linking her decision to discussions over the new structure and a period of bereavement leave.