Morgan McSweeney quits: Keir Starmer’s right-hand man resigns as Downing Street chief of staff amid Mandelson scandal
Key Starmer ally resigns over role in Mandelson appointment
- Morgan McSweeney, Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff, has resigned over his role in the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.
- McSweeney, credited with masterminding Labour's 2024 election victory, pushed for Mandelson's appointment despite concerns from the administration and security services regarding Mandelson's links to China and Jeffrey Epstein.
- Mandelson was forced to quit the Labour Party and his seat in the Lords following revelations he leaked confidential material to Epstein and maintained contact with the convicted sex offender.
- McSweeney's departure significantly weakens Sir Keir Starmer's position, raising questions about the Prime Minister's ability to continue without his key strategist.
- The outgoing chief of staff had faced previous demands to resign and was also blamed for overpromising in the election manifesto and the government's current low poll numbers.
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