LONDON
In a dramatic turn of events at the heart of British politics, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned on Sunday, acknowledging responsibility for a controversial diplomatic appointment that has triggered a widening political storm. The departure comes amid fierce criticism over the handling of former Labour Cabinet minister Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States, and newly revealed details of Mr. Mandelson’s past links to figures associated with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Mr. McSweeney, a trusted senior adviser and key architect of Labour’s return to power at the 2024 general election, told Downing Street aides he was stepping down because he had recommended Mr. Mandelson for the high-profile ambassadorial post, a decision that has since eroded confidence in the government. In a brief statement, McSweeney said the choice “had damaged public trust” in the administration and accepted he had “misjudged” the political and reputational risks involved.
The resignation marks one of the most serious upheavals in the Starmer premiership to date. McSweeney’s exit follows intense political pressure from opposition parties and within the governing ranks, with lawmakers and political commentators expressing alarm over both the appointment process and the broader implications for standards in public life.
The controversy centers on documents released from the United States Department of Justice’s disclosures related to the Epstein case, which detail historical communications and financial interactions involving Lord Mandelson and Epstein’s circle during the 2000s. While there is no evidence that Mandelson was charged with any offence, the disclosures have provoked intense scrutiny over his suitability for a diplomatic role representing the UK in Washington.
Lord Mandelson, a former Labour Cabinet minister and one of the party’s most experienced international figures, was appointed ambassador in 2024. At the time, the post was seen as adding gravitas to the UK-US relationship, but critics warned that his past associations could become a political liability. Those concerns have now materialised, and the controversy has grown in intensity as more documents have emerged in recent weeks.
Government sources say that Mr. Starmer directed McSweeney to take responsibility for the appointment, a move intended to shield the prime minister from direct political damage. However, critics argue that such a high-level role ultimately reflects on the prime minister’s own judgment.
Opposition parties, particularly the Conservative Party, have seized on the issue as evidence of weak leadership at the highest level of government. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called on Mr. Starmer to answer questions directly and suggested that responsibility should lie squarely with the prime minister rather than with his advisers. “It is ultimately the prime minister who makes these appointments,” she said in a televised briefing. “Avoiding accountability by shifting blame will not satisfy the electorate.”
Within Labour’s parliamentary ranks, reactions are mixed. Some senior MPs have expressed regret at McSweeney’s exit, acknowledging his role in securing key policy achievements for the government. Others say a change in Downing Street personnel is necessary to restore confidence and reassure voters ahead of future electoral contests.
Sir Keir Starmer, in a statement from Downing Street, praised McSweeney’s service and reiterated his commitment to robust standards in public office. “Morgan has served this government with distinction,” the prime minister said. “I accept his decision and thank him for his contribution. We will continue to strengthen our internal processes so that public trust is upheld.”
The unfolding scandal has also prompted calls for greater transparency around the vetting of senior appointments, particularly for diplomatic roles that carry international significance. Legal experts and former diplomats told reporters that ambassadorial appointments traditionally undergo rigorous background checks, and that any perceived lapse in that process raises serious questions about institutional safeguards.
Police investigations related to Mr. Mandelson’s historical interactions with Epstein’s network remain ongoing, though officials have emphasised that no charges have been brought. Nevertheless, the optics of the situation have proved politically costly. Press organisations and public interest groups have called for the release of internal communications concerning the initial decision to appoint Mandelson, arguing that full disclosure is necessary to understand what went wrong.
As the government attempts to steady itself, analysts suggest the controversy could have lasting effects on the Starmer administration’s wider agenda, particularly as it seeks to advance legislative priorities in the coming months. With general political attention now turning to questions of judgment, accountability and governance, the resignation of McSweeney once considered one of the prime minister’s closest aides has underscored the high stakes involved in the handling of senior appointments.
In Westminster, the opposition has signalled it will pursue further parliamentary inquiries, and several backbench MPs have called for a full review of diplomatic appointment procedures. With trust and credibility at the centre of the debate, the government faces a difficult task in restoring confidence not only within its own ranks but also among voters wary of political scandal.
As the situation continues to unfold, London’s political landscape remains tense, with both sides of the House of Commons bracing for what could be an extended period of scrutiny over the appointment that has come to define a major early test of the Starmer premiership.
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