UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, has resigned, saying he takes “full responsibility” for advising the appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to the United States.
In a statement released on Saturday, McSweeney said the decision to appoint Mandelson was wrong and had damaged public trust in politics. He described stepping aside as the “only honourable course” in light of the controversy that has become the biggest crisis of Starmer’s premiership so far.
The resignation follows the launch of a criminal investigation into allegations that Mandelson passed sensitive information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson strongly denies any criminal wrongdoing or financial motivation.
McSweeney, widely credited with reshaping the Labour Party and masterminding its 2024 landslide election victory, acknowledged that he personally advised the prime minister on the appointment. However, he said he did not oversee the formal vetting process and called for it to be “fundamentally overhauled” to prevent similar failures in the future.
Prime Minister Starmer paid tribute to McSweeney, calling him an “essential part” of his political project and thanking him for years of service. Despite this, opposition leaders said the resignation does not absolve the prime minister of responsibility. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch argued that the ultimate decision rested with Starmer himself.
Political analysts say McSweeney’s departure may intensify pressure on the prime minister rather than ease it, removing a key figure who often acted as a lightning rod for criticism. With Labour facing growing internal and external scrutiny, attention is now turning to who will replace McSweeney and how Downing Street seeks to restore confidence and stability.
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