Speechwriter and deputy chief of staff becomes latest departure from ‘gang of five’ of close advisers
Keir Starmer’s speechwriter and close aide Chris Ward has told colleagues he is leaving his post after six years, in the latest departure from the Labour leader’s top team.
Ward has been Starmer’s deputy chief of staff since he won the Labour leadership last year, but has worked at Starmer’s side since 2015, writing his speeches and helping to prepare him for appearances at prime minister’s questions.