BREAKING: Keir Starmer's head of comms quits in fresh blow to PM

Keir Starmer's top communications chief is leaving Downing Street in a fresh blow to the PM.

The PM's head of communications Steph Driver, who has worked closely with Mr Starmer for almost five years, is the latest of senior aides to leave No10. She leaves Downing Street barely a week after the PM lost his director of strategy, Paul Ovenden.

Mr Starmer was also forced to sack his UK Ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, earlier this month after new emails revealed the extent of his relationship with disgraced paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

James Lyons, who previously shared the comms chief with Ms Driver, also left No10 at the start of the month.

Mr Starmer said: “Steph Driver has been a loyal and valued member of my team for almost five years. Steph played a leading role in transforming the Labour party and delivering our historic general election win. 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.”

READ MORE: Keir Starmer's senior aide resigns over 'explicit messages about Diane Abbott'

Ms Driver said: “It has been an honour to work with and advise Keir through opposition and into government. Being part of the team to rebuild and rebrand the Labour party before securing an historic general election victory is an achievement and experience like no other.

“I’m also proud of what this government has already delivered, and thank the sharp and talented No10 press team for their hard work and support during my tenure.

“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.”

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