Starmer to replace Nin Pandit as No 10 principal private secretary

Sir Keir Starmer is reported to be replacing Nin Pandit as his principal private secretary in Downing Street, less than a year after she took up the role, in what would be the third senior departure from his No 10 team since last autumn. The change, which several government insiders say is imminent, would follow the exits of chief of staff Sue Gray in October and director of communications Matthew Doyle in March.

Pandit has led the prime minister's private office for about ten months. Downing Street said she remains in post but would not comment on when any move might take place. Some government sources say the prime minister had become concerned about her effectiveness in the role, while allies insist he retains confidence in her. Other insiders say Pandit will be reassigned within government to a new policy delivery role overseen directly by the prime minister, with an experienced Treasury official expected to replace her as principal private secretary.

The principal private secretary is one of the most senior and influential civil service posts in No 10, acting as the prime minister's gatekeeper to the official machine. The holder controls the flow of information to the prime...