Keir Starmer praised Driver’s nearly five years of service, and Driver said the Labour government retains her unwavering support. Driver was regarded as one of Starmer’s most trusted aides, and senior figures including the prime minister urged her to stay. Her decision followed bereavement leave and discussions with Starmer and chief of staff Morgan McSweeney about the new communications structure. The exit adds to recent senior departures from No 10, including political strategist Paul Ovenden and comms lead James Lyons, after Matthew Doyle quit in March. Tim Allan remains executive director of government communications as No 10’s reduced comms operation faces scrutiny ahead of the party conference in Liverpool, with some outlets circulating speculative replacement lists.
