In a move that has reignited debate over stability at the heart of British government, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to replace his principal private secretary, Nin Pandit, marking the third senior aide to depart Downing Street in less than a year. The decision, confirmed by multiple government sources, comes just ten months after Pandit was appointed to the pivotal civil service role, and follows the earlier exits of chief of staff Sue Gray in October 2024 and director of communications Matthew Doyle in March 2025.
Pandit’s departure, set for September 2025, has been the subject of intense speculation both inside and outside Westminster. According to BBC News, the principal private secretary (PPS) is one of the most influential positions in the civil service, serving as the prime minister’s gatekeeper, controlling the flow of information and shaping the daily agenda. It’s a role often seen as a stepping stone to running major government departments or even the entire civil service.
The rapid turnover of senior staff in Starmer’s Downing Street operation has raised eyebrows and prompted political opponents to question the government’s direction. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch didn’t mince words on social media, stating, “Keir Starmer keeps sacking advisers, losing ministers, and briefing against his own team in the papers. Another reset won't hide the truth: he has no plan, no direction, and needs his Red Folder to remind him what he stands for.”
Despite such criticism, sources close to Starmer maintain that trust and confidence in Pandit remain intact. A Downing Street official told The Times, “The prime minister is taking direct oversight on how his priorities are delivered in No 10. Nin has been asked to lead on that work based in Downing Street from September. He trusts and backs Nin to lead on that important work.” The official line from No 10 is that Pandit will move into a new role focused on policy delivery, although the specifics of her new responsibilities have yet to be clarified.
The move comes amid a period of turbulence for Starmer’s administration. Sue Gray, Starmer’s former chief of staff, was forced out last October after a high-profile power struggle with election strategist Morgan McSweeney. Matthew Doyle’s departure as director of communications in March followed complaints that the government’s messaging had faltered, particularly on contentious issues such as the abandonment of winter fuel payments. Now, Pandit’s exit has fueled speculation that Starmer is seeking yet another reset as he faces mounting criticism over his handling of the migrant crisis and broader questions about the government’s direction.
As Eastern Eye reported, Pandit’s appointment was originally announced in the same press release that marked Gray’s departure, highlighting the close timing and interconnected nature of these senior staffing changes. Before taking on the PPS role, Pandit had served as director of the Downing Street Policy Unit from November 2022 and led the No 10 Delivery Unit’s health and social care team. Her earlier career included a stint as chief of staff to the chief executive of NHS England, as well as running the No 10 policy unit during Rishi Sunak’s premiership.
Some civil service insiders had expressed concerns about Pandit’s suitability for the PPS role, noting her career focus on health policy rather than the broader Whitehall experience typically expected for such a post. “You need to be able to go toe-to-toe with permanent secretaries and cabinet ministers,” one source told BBC News. “And sometimes bang heads together.” Nonetheless, No 10 continues to insist that Pandit’s move is not a demotion, but rather a strategic redeployment to strengthen policy delivery at the heart of government.
The principal private secretary’s job is, by all accounts, a demanding one. The PPS manages the prime minister’s diary, controls access, and is often the last person in the room when major decisions are made. The role sits alongside the chief of staff, just outside the prime minister’s office, and is critical to the smooth functioning of government. As one former insider put it to the BBC, the PPS “runs their life.”
The shake-up comes at a time when Starmer’s administration is already under pressure from various quarters. Labour’s summer was marked by a series of parliamentary rebellions, and many in government expect a significant reshuffle of junior ministers when Parliament returns in September 2025. The internal process to recruit Pandit’s replacement as principal private secretary is already underway, and insiders suggest that Starmer is taking a hands-on approach to ensure his priorities are delivered effectively within No 10.
Political opponents have seized on the turbulence to question Starmer’s leadership. The Conservative Party, still reeling from its own recent defeats, has sought to portray the frequent staff changes as evidence of chaos and a lack of clear direction at the top of government. Meanwhile, allies of Starmer argue that the prime minister is simply making tough decisions to ensure his team is best equipped to deliver on his agenda.
Amid the political theater, the reality is that high turnover in top government roles is hardly unprecedented. The demands of Downing Street, especially in times of national crisis or political transition, often lead to rapid changes in personnel. What’s unusual in this case is the sheer pace and visibility of the departures, all within a single year, and the fact that each has been accompanied by public speculation about internal divisions and the effectiveness of Starmer’s leadership.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on how effectively Starmer’s reshuffled team can address the pressing challenges facing the country, from the ongoing migrant crisis to economic uncertainty and internal party dissent. The new principal private secretary, whoever they may be, will have their work cut out for them, stepping into a role that is both high-profile and high-pressure.
For Nin Pandit, the move to a new role within Downing Street offers both a fresh challenge and an opportunity to shape policy delivery at the highest level. Whether this latest reshuffle brings the stability and direction Starmer seeks—or simply sets the stage for further upheaval—remains to be seen. One thing is certain: all eyes in Westminster will be watching closely as the prime minister attempts to steady the ship and chart a clear course for his government in the critical months ahead.
