McSweeney Resigns Amid Mandelson Appointment Controversy
Published 8 February 2026
Highlights
- Morgan McSweeney resigned as Keir Starmer's chief of staff amid controversy over Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador.
- McSweeney took "full responsibility" for advising Starmer on the appointment, which has sparked anger within the Labour Party.
- The scandal involves Mandelson's past ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, leading to a police investigation.
- Labour MPs are divided, with some calling for Starmer's resignation while others support his leadership.
- McSweeney's departure is seen as a significant blow to Starmer, who relied heavily on his political judgment.
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Rewritten Article
McSweeney Resigns Amid Mandelson Appointment Controversy
Morgan McSweeney, the chief of staff to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has resigned following intense scrutiny over his role in the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the United States. The decision has ignited a political scandal, with revelations about Mandelson's past connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Mounting Pressure and Resignation
McSweeney's resignation comes after mounting pressure on Starmer's administration, as emails surfaced detailing Mandelson's ongoing relationship with Epstein. Despite McSweeney's assertion that he did not oversee the vetting process, he accepted "full responsibility" for advising Starmer to appoint Mandelson. In a statement, McSweeney acknowledged that the decision had "damaged our party, our country, and trust in politics itself," and stepping down was the "honourable course."
Divided Labour Party
The Labour Party is now grappling with internal divisions. Some MPs have openly called for Starmer's resignation, questioning his leadership in light of the scandal. York Central MP Rachael Maskell emphasized the urgency for Starmer to prove his capability to lead, while others, like Kingston upon Hull East MP Karl Turner, have rallied behind him, acknowledging the mistake but urging unity.
Implications of Mandelson's Past
The controversy is further fueled by allegations that Mandelson leaked sensitive government information to Epstein during his tenure as a minister. This has prompted a police investigation into potential misconduct in public office. Starmer has maintained that Mandelson's relationship with Epstein was flagged during vetting, but insists he was misled about its extent.
Leadership Challenges Ahead
McSweeney's departure is a significant setback for Starmer, who had heavily relied on his political acumen. The resignation has left a leadership vacuum, with Jill Cuthbertson and Vidhya Alakeson stepping in as acting chiefs of staff. As Starmer prepares to address Labour MPs privately, he faces the challenge of regaining control and restoring confidence within the party.
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Scenario Analysis
The fallout from McSweeney's resignation and the Mandelson appointment scandal poses significant challenges for Keir Starmer's leadership. In the short term, Starmer must navigate the internal divisions within the Labour Party and address the concerns of MPs calling for his resignation. The ongoing police investigation into Mandelson's alleged misconduct could further complicate matters, potentially leading to legal ramifications.
Politically, Starmer's ability to maintain party unity and demonstrate decisive leadership will be crucial in the coming months. As the Labour Party prepares for future elections, the handling of this scandal could impact public perception and electoral prospects. Expert analysts suggest that Starmer's response to the crisis will be pivotal in determining his political future and the party's direction.
Morgan McSweeney, the chief of staff to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has resigned following intense scrutiny over his role in the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the United States. The decision has ignited a political scandal, with revelations about Mandelson's past connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Mounting Pressure and Resignation
McSweeney's resignation comes after mounting pressure on Starmer's administration, as emails surfaced detailing Mandelson's ongoing relationship with Epstein. Despite McSweeney's assertion that he did not oversee the vetting process, he accepted "full responsibility" for advising Starmer to appoint Mandelson. In a statement, McSweeney acknowledged that the decision had "damaged our party, our country, and trust in politics itself," and stepping down was the "honourable course."
Divided Labour Party
The Labour Party is now grappling with internal divisions. Some MPs have openly called for Starmer's resignation, questioning his leadership in light of the scandal. York Central MP Rachael Maskell emphasized the urgency for Starmer to prove his capability to lead, while others, like Kingston upon Hull East MP Karl Turner, have rallied behind him, acknowledging the mistake but urging unity.
Implications of Mandelson's Past
The controversy is further fueled by allegations that Mandelson leaked sensitive government information to Epstein during his tenure as a minister. This has prompted a police investigation into potential misconduct in public office. Starmer has maintained that Mandelson's relationship with Epstein was flagged during vetting, but insists he was misled about its extent.
Leadership Challenges Ahead
McSweeney's departure is a significant setback for Starmer, who had heavily relied on his political acumen. The resignation has left a leadership vacuum, with Jill Cuthbertson and Vidhya Alakeson stepping in as acting chiefs of staff. As Starmer prepares to address Labour MPs privately, he faces the challenge of regaining control and restoring confidence within the party.
What this might mean
The fallout from McSweeney's resignation and the Mandelson appointment scandal poses significant challenges for Keir Starmer's leadership. In the short term, Starmer must navigate the internal divisions within the Labour Party and address the concerns of MPs calling for his resignation. The ongoing police investigation into Mandelson's alleged misconduct could further complicate matters, potentially leading to legal ramifications.
Politically, Starmer's ability to maintain party unity and demonstrate decisive leadership will be crucial in the coming months. As the Labour Party prepares for future elections, the handling of this scandal could impact public perception and electoral prospects. Expert analysts suggest that Starmer's response to the crisis will be pivotal in determining his political future and the party's direction.
