Cooper defends Starmer after book says chief of staff called him an ‘HR manager’

Home secretary says PM stands for respect and hard work' after claims Morgan McSweeney questioned his leadership

One of Keir Starmer's cabinet ministers has said he stands for respect and hard work", after a new book claimed his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, described him as an HR manager" rather than a leader.

Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, said Starmer's plan for change was clear and defended him, after the book by two journalists, Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund, suggested some of those in his inner circle are not entirely convinced by his leadership qualities.