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The meeting's secrecy was shattered within just 48 hours, revealing that the leak did not originate from Reform UK—as they had every incentive to maintain discretion—but from within Downing Street itself. Speculation is rife that aides or political rivals leaked the story to embarrass Prime Minister Keir Starmer, perhaps as a bid to weaken his authority.
The leak was initially broken by The Times before spreading to major outlets like BBC, Sky News, The Guardian, and The Daily Mail. As the story dominated headlines, the political chaos intensified, with Prime Minister Starmer’s explosive reaction marking a nadir in his leadership.