This morning, Tim Allan became the latest member of Starmer’s inner circle to step down. His resignation has increased the pressure on Keir Starmer’s leadership, with Morgan McSweeney having resigned yesterday. Allan served for less than six months in the role, and prior to his appointment he founded the public affairs firm Portland Communications.

Speculation of Starmer’s future has had a profound effect on the markets, with the pound falling 0.2 per cent against the Euro, and borrowing costs rising too. Mounting instability has left many predicting a successor who will borrow more and raise government spending. This follows the pound’s decline on Sunday following McSweeney’s departure too.

Allan made a brief statement explaining his resignation, saying that he has stepped down to “allow a new No. 10 team to be built” and that he wishes “the PM and his team every success.” Allan is the fifth communications director to depart the Downing Street operation, having succeeded James Lyon and Steph Driver in the role.

Allan was a product of the Blair era, having begun his career as a researcher for the soon-to-be Prime Minister whilst he was in the Shadow Cabinet. When Blair was elected Leader of the Opposition in 1994, Allan became his deputy press secretary, and served in Downing Street under Alastair Campbell following the 1997 election.

Allan is best known for his work in …