BREAKING: Keir Starmer's top comms chief leaves No10 after year in role

Keir Starmer's key adviser is leaving Downing Street after serving a year as director of communications for strategy.

It comes as Mr Starmer shakes-up his No10 backroom operation after a fractious first year.

James Lyons, who began working for the PM last October, reportedly said on Monday: "It was an honour to be asked to come in.

"I'm proud to have helped to get a grip on Whitehall comms after what was a difficult few first months for the Government

"It wasn’t just filling the grid. Launching the Plan for Change brought focus and direction

"But I gave up a lot to come in and this was never intended as a long haul. When I came back from the summer break I told colleagues I was looking to leave by the end of the year

"I've brought this forward to be part of the other changes."

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