Keir Starmer's Chief of Staff Resigns Amid Controversial Appointment of Peter Mandelson

Morgan McSweeney, the chief of staff to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has resigned amidst mounting pressure following controversy over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the United States. In an interview with the BBC on Sunday, February 8, McSweeney, widely regarded as the architect behind Starmer's victory in the July 2024 general election, accepted full responsibility for the fallout resulting from this decision. McSweeney, who is associated with the Labour Party, acknowledged the missteps linked to Mandelson's brief tenure in Washington. Mandelson, a long-time associate of Starmer and a seasoned political figure, faced severe backlash due to his historical connections to American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Despite opposition from the Foreign Office and several members within Starmer's cabinet, McSweeney had championed Mandelson's appointment at the end of 2024. However, the relationship proved disastrous. Mandelson's time as ambassador lasted only six months, ending abruptly in September 2025 when the US Department of Justice released incriminating files on Epstein that highlighted Mandelson’s closer ties to the financier than previously disclosed. This development prompted Starmer to dismiss Mandelson, further complicating the political landscape for the Labour Party. In his resignation statement, McSweeney expressed regret over the appointment, admitting that it damaged the party, the country, and public trust in the political system. "I advised the prime minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice. I acknowledge that the decision was wrong," McSweeney remarked. The ramifications of McSweeney's resignation are significant as the Labour Party navigates the storm of public scrutiny and trust erosion. Analysts are questioning the party's internal decision-making processes and its ability to sustain its political integrity moving forward. The political scene is now set with Labour needing to regroup and redefine its strategies in the wake of this major upheaval. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2