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High-ranking Labour figure Ed Miliband has called for the party to leave behind party conflicts after leader Sir Keir Starmer personally apologised to health minister Wes Streeting over damaging leaked comments coming from Downing Street.

Important Events

• Miliband confirms Starmer will fire the Downing Street source behind for briefing against Wes Streeting if discovered
• The Energy Secretary rules out any party leader aspirations, stating his previous experience as leader was the "most effective protection" against desiring the position again
• UK economic growth increased by just 0.1% in the third quarter, hit by the Jaguar Land Rover cyber-attack

Background

The political controversy began after media stories emerged about negative briefings from the Prime Minister's supporters targeting the Health Secretary. Although initial attempts to dismiss the matter, the conversation between the PM and the health minister apparently followed a more serious direction.

The Prime Minister apologised to Streeting, journalists have been told. The discussion was short, and they did not address Morgan McSweeney, whom Starmer is now under pressure to remove.

Miliband's Statement

In his early morning media interviews, Miliband highlighted the need for the party to focus on national priorities rather than internal conflicts.

Clearly, I think the briefing has been unhelpful, certainly.

But my advice to the Labour members now is quite simple, which is we need to prioritize the nation, not each other.

We were given a significant victory last July, a major chance to improve our country. And we have a historic responsibility.

Economic Update

Meanwhile, government statistics revealed the UK economic performance expanded by just 0.1% in the July-September period, with the industrial sector especially impacted by the recently reported JLR security incident.

The Day's Agenda

• 9.30am: The National Health Service issues its monthly data
• Morning: Wes Streeting visits the Liverpool area
• Today: The Chancellor makes comments to the media
• 11.30am: Number 10 holds its daily media briefing
• Today: The Prime Minister promotes government plans for the Britain's pioneering nuclear power facility at Wylfa site on the island of Anglesey