British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, has resigned, increasing pressure on the Labor leader over the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as British ambassador to the United States.
McSweeney announced his decision in a statement on Sunday (February 8), taking responsibility for recommending to Starmer to appoint Mandelson – a move now widely seen as the most serious crisis in Starmer’s 18 months in power.
“The decision was wrong”
In a direct statement, McSweeney said his resignation was the right course of action.
“The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and confidence in politics itself,” McSweeney said.
“When asked, I advised the Prime Minister to make this appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice.”
McSweeney, 48, was one of Starmer’s closest allies and was widely credited as the strategist behind Labour’s landslide election victory.
Epstein links the rekindled controversy
The crisis was triggered by newly released files detailing the extent of Mandelson’s relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, reopening a long-burning issue for the Labor leadership.
The documents, which emerged in the past ten days, are said to indicate that Mandelson leaked government materials to Epstein between 2009 and 2010. The revelations have now prompted a police investigation into alleged public misconduct.
The pressure is mounting on Starmer
Starmer faced growing criticism from within his own party, with Labor MPs questioning his judgment and calling for accountability for Mandelson’s appointment.
Polls already show the prime minister struggling with popular support and McSweeney’s departure has raised new doubts about the government’s future direction less than two years after Labor secured one of the biggest parliamentary majorities in modern British history.
Starmer praises outgoing aide
Despite the fallout, Starmer paid tribute to his outgoing chief of staff.
“It was an honor to work with Morgan,” the prime minister said in a statement on Sunday.
Starmer has spent the past week publicly defending McSweeney – a stance that has itself drawn criticism and further scrutiny of his leadership.
Questions about the screening process
McSweeney, a long-time protégé and associate of Mandelson, has been accused by Labor lawmakers and political opponents of failing to ensure proper vetting before finalizing the appointment.
Labor MPs also accused him of political damage caused by the publication of crude exchanges between Mandelson and Epstein.
Turbulent tenure
McSweeney has served as chief of staff since October 2024, taking over after the resignation of Sue Gray following a dispute over pay and political donations.
Read also | Jeffrey Epstein planned ‘baby ranch’ to spread his DNA, report says
