Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reaffirmed junior migration minister Mike Tapp’s access to official documents amid an ongoing dispute with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. The conflict intensified after Mahmood sought to restrict Tapp’s access and called for his dismissal following the publication of an unauthorized opinion piece by Tapp in The Times.

Tapp, the Labour MP for Dover and Deal, wrote the article without prior approval from the Home Office, prompting Mahmood to challenge his role. Despite her objections, Starmer declined to remove Tapp from his position, marking a significant escalation in tensions within the government.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister confirmed on Tuesday that Tapp remains in his ministerial post and continues to have access to the documents necessary for his migration portfolio. The same statement emphasized that Tapp is “focused on his role” despite the internal disagreements.

The dispute comes after Mahmood was among several ministers who previously urged Starmer to consider resigning, highlighting broader challenges within the administration’s handling of migration policy. The disagreement between Mahmood and Tapp reflects deeper divisions over the management and communication of the government’s approach.

As the situation stands, Tapp remains an active member of the Home Office team, working under the supervision of Mahmood despite ongoing personal and professional friction. The Prime Minister’s decision to support Tapp underscores his intent to maintain stability amid internal dissent over migration issues.