Instead, Starmer took his counsel mainly from his advisers â Jenny Chapman, his powerful political secretary, his longtime political adviser Chris Ward, his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, the partyâs director of communications, Ben Nunn and Starmerâs policy director, Claire Ainsley. The other influential political player was Charlie Falconer, the shadow attorney general and veteran of the Tony Blair years.
One big name not in the room, but who has been on the lips of many on the left of the party, is the former New Labour spinner Peter Mandelson â the subject of wild speculation over how much influence he has on Starmerâs operation.
I had tears in my eyes | Triad sheriffs reflect on funeral for two Watauga County deputies
Sergeant Chris Ward and K-9 Deputy Logan Fox died in the line of duty last week. Sheriffs Sam Page and Terry Johnson were among those who attended their funeral. Author: Grace Holland Updated: 11:37 PM EDT May 7, 2021
Several Triad law enforcement members are reflecting after the funeral for two Watauga County sheriff s deputies killed in the line of duty.
Hundreds of them came to that service on Thursday. Rows of sheriffs, deputies, chiefs and officers from across the state gathered to say goodbye to Sergeant Chris Ward and K-9 Deputy Logan Fox.
Furious shadow cabinet members have accused Keir Starmer of making a "scapegoat" of Rayner, pointing the finger of blame for Hartlepool at his key aide Jenny Chapman.
Bryan Anderson
A riderless horse approaches the Holmes Convocational Center for the funeral services of Watauga County Sheriff s Deputies Sgt. Chris Ward and K-9 Deputy Logan Fox in Boone, N.C., Thursday, May 6, 2021. The two deputies were killed in the line of duty. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome) May 06, 2021 - 4:16 PM
RALEIGH, N.C. - The sheriff was already running late to the office when a woman pleaded for him to stop. She wanted to pay her respects to the families of Sgt. Chris Ward and K-9 Deputy Logan Fox, but didn t have much to offer.
Less than a week ago in Boone, North Carolina, two deputies had been killed in the line of duty while performing what was supposed to be a routine welfare check. They were met with gunfire and killed after entering the home.
Both deputies were shot and killed in Boone on April 28 when a wellness check of a residence turned into a violent standoff that left five people dead.
Alexander County Sheriff Chris Bowman said he and five others from his office decided to go to Watauga County to pay their respects and offer any assistance the county might need from them.
âItâs a bad, bad situation,â Bowman said.
Bowman said the loss of the two deputies brought law enforcement from around North Carolina together to offer support to Watauga County.
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âItâs been close to home,â he said. âI think it makes all law officers more aware of the calls that we go on. Our county will average three or four a week of wellness checks.â