Leadership Crisis Deepens as Key Aides Resign from Starmer's Team
Published 9 February 2026
Highlights
- Tim Allan and Morgan McSweeney have resigned from Keir Starmer's team, intensifying scrutiny on the prime minister's leadership.
- The appointments of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador have sparked controversy due to his ties with Jeffrey Epstein.
- Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan faces criticism for not publicly supporting Starmer amid calls for his resignation.
- Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are emerging as potential successors, with tensions rising within the Labour Party.
- Starmer remains firm in his position, despite mounting pressure and internal party challenges.
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Rewritten Article
Leadership Crisis Deepens as Key Aides Resign from Starmer's Team
The political landscape in the UK is witnessing significant upheaval as Keir Starmer, the Labour Party leader, faces mounting pressure following the resignation of two key aides. Tim Allan, director of communications, and Morgan McSweeney, chief of staff, have both stepped down, citing the need for a new team at Downing Street. These departures come amid controversy surrounding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the United States, a decision that has drawn criticism due to Mandelson's past connections with Jeffrey Epstein.
Resignations and Controversy
Tim Allan, who joined Starmer's team in September, announced his resignation just a day after McSweeney's departure. Allan, a former aide to Tony Blair, stated his decision was to facilitate the building of a new team. McSweeney, on the other hand, took full responsibility for advising Starmer on Mandelson's appointment, which has been a focal point of criticism. The controversy has led to calls for Starmer's resignation, with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar being the most prominent figure to demand a change in leadership.
Political Repercussions in Wales
In Wales, First Minister Eluned Morgan has faced backlash for her silence on the issue. Despite pressure from opposition parties and some Labour MPs, Morgan has refrained from publicly supporting Starmer or calling for his resignation. This has led to accusations of lacking courage and failing to stand up for Welsh interests, especially with an upcoming Senedd election where Labour risks losing ground.
Leadership Speculations and Internal Tensions
As Starmer's leadership is questioned, speculation about potential successors is gaining momentum. Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are emerging as frontrunners, with allies of both figures engaging in a war of words. Rayner's supporters argue she is prepared to lead, while Streeting's camp downplays his ties to Mandelson. The internal discord highlights the growing divisions within the Labour Party as it grapples with its future direction.
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Scenario Analysis
The recent resignations and ongoing controversy over Peter Mandelson's appointment have placed Keir Starmer in a precarious position. If the internal dissent continues, Starmer may face increased pressure to step down, potentially paving the way for a leadership contest. Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are likely to be key contenders, but their candidacies could further polarize the party. Meanwhile, Eluned Morgan's stance in Wales could impact Labour's performance in the upcoming Senedd election, potentially weakening Starmer's support base. As the situation unfolds, the Labour Party must navigate these challenges carefully to maintain its political standing.
The political landscape in the UK is witnessing significant upheaval as Keir Starmer, the Labour Party leader, faces mounting pressure following the resignation of two key aides. Tim Allan, director of communications, and Morgan McSweeney, chief of staff, have both stepped down, citing the need for a new team at Downing Street. These departures come amid controversy surrounding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the United States, a decision that has drawn criticism due to Mandelson's past connections with Jeffrey Epstein.
Resignations and Controversy
Tim Allan, who joined Starmer's team in September, announced his resignation just a day after McSweeney's departure. Allan, a former aide to Tony Blair, stated his decision was to facilitate the building of a new team. McSweeney, on the other hand, took full responsibility for advising Starmer on Mandelson's appointment, which has been a focal point of criticism. The controversy has led to calls for Starmer's resignation, with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar being the most prominent figure to demand a change in leadership.
Political Repercussions in Wales
In Wales, First Minister Eluned Morgan has faced backlash for her silence on the issue. Despite pressure from opposition parties and some Labour MPs, Morgan has refrained from publicly supporting Starmer or calling for his resignation. This has led to accusations of lacking courage and failing to stand up for Welsh interests, especially with an upcoming Senedd election where Labour risks losing ground.
Leadership Speculations and Internal Tensions
As Starmer's leadership is questioned, speculation about potential successors is gaining momentum. Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are emerging as frontrunners, with allies of both figures engaging in a war of words. Rayner's supporters argue she is prepared to lead, while Streeting's camp downplays his ties to Mandelson. The internal discord highlights the growing divisions within the Labour Party as it grapples with its future direction.
What this might mean
The recent resignations and ongoing controversy over Peter Mandelson's appointment have placed Keir Starmer in a precarious position. If the internal dissent continues, Starmer may face increased pressure to step down, potentially paving the way for a leadership contest. Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are likely to be key contenders, but their candidacies could further polarize the party. Meanwhile, Eluned Morgan's stance in Wales could impact Labour's performance in the upcoming Senedd election, potentially weakening Starmer's support base. As the situation unfolds, the Labour Party must navigate these challenges carefully to maintain its political standing.
