Keir Starmer's administration is facing a significant period of disruption, marked by the recent resignation of Tim Allan, his Director of Communications. This departure, occurring on the heels of Morgan McSweeney's exit as Chief of Staff, amplifies concerns about stability within Number 10 and the Prime Minister's hold on power. The ongoing fallout from Lord Peter Mandelson's naming in the Epstein files, coupled with earlier staff changes, has fueled dissatisfaction among Labour MPs and raised questions about Starmer's leadership.
Context of Departures and Political Pressure
The resignation of Tim Allan, who previously served under Tony Blair and had a role in Rupert Murdoch's media operations before rejoining Downing Street in September 2025, represents a considerable loss for Sir Keir Starmer. Allan's exit, following McSweeney's on a Sunday, creates a palpable sense of flux at the heart of government. This leadership churn occurs within a broader context of political pressure, including revelations from the Epstein files that have intensified scrutiny on Number 10.
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The appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the US, and his subsequent naming in these files, has become a focal point of discontent. Many Labour MPs have voiced their anger over this situation, contributing to an already tense atmosphere. The cumulative effect of these departures and the Mandelson controversy has led to an environment where Sir Keir Starmer's leadership is openly questioned by party members.
Historical Staff Turnover in Downing Street
Tim Allan's background includes serving as a press officer for Tony Blair and later as a key advisor in Downing Street during the late 1990s.
Following his tenure in Downing Street, Allan worked for Rupert Murdoch before returning in September 2025 to lead communications for Starmer.
His predecessor in the strategic communications role was James Lyons, who also departed earlier in 2025 after approximately a year in the position.
Steph Driver, Starmer's head of communications, also announced her departure around the same period. She had a long-standing relationship with Starmer, having worked with him for five years when he was Leader of the Opposition and subsequently as deputy and then director of communications in Downing Street.
Earlier in 2025, Paul Ovenden resigned as the Prime Minister's Director of Political Strategy.
Matthew Doyle, under whom Driver worked as deputy, also stepped down earlier in the year after nine months in Number 10.
Other significant departures include Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, who resigned over her tax affairs, and Peter Mandelson, who stepped down as ambassador to Washington in connection with the Epstein scandal.
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| Role | Name | Departure Date (Approx.) | Previous Role / Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Director of Communications | Tim Allan | Recent | Served Tony Blair, worked for Rupert Murdoch |
| Chief of Staff | Morgan McSweeney | Recent | Key aide to Sir Keir Starmer |
| Head of Communications | Steph Driver | Sep 25, 2025 | Worked with Starmer for five years |
| Director of Comms (Strategy) | James Lyons | Sep 2025 | Departed after approximately one year |
| Director of Political Strategy | Paul Ovenden | Early 2025 | Resigned over reported controversial messages |
| Deputy Director of Comms | Matthew Doyle | Early 2025 | Departed after nine months in Number 10 |
| Ambassador to US | Peter Mandelson | Recent | Named in Epstein files |
| Deputy Prime Minister | Angela Rayner | Recent | Resigned over tax affairs |
Fallout from the Mandelson Scandal
The inclusion of Lord Peter Mandelson's name in the recently released Epstein files has triggered significant backlash within the Labour Party. This development has cast a shadow over Sir Keir Starmer's administration, placing it under increased public and internal scrutiny.
Labour MPs have expressed considerable anger regarding Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the US, a decision that has become a focal point for discontent.
The revelations have created a difficult situation for Number 10, exacerbating existing pressures on Starmer's leadership.
The scandal surrounding Mandelson has become intertwined with the broader narrative of staff instability, adding another layer of challenge for the Prime Minister.
Impact on Starmer's Leadership
The series of high-profile departures and the controversy surrounding Lord Mandelson have contributed to an atmosphere of uncertainty regarding Sir Keir Starmer's political future. While there is no straightforward mechanism for removing a leader quickly within the Labour Party, the visible dissatisfaction among MPs suggests a potentially volatile situation.
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Labour MPs are reportedly vocal about their concerns, with many willing to discuss the Prime Minister's position.
The constant exits from Downing Street create a perception of disarray, which can erode confidence in the leadership.
The events have intensified questions about Starmer's ability to manage his team and navigate political crises effectively.
Conclusion
The recent resignations of Tim Allan and Morgan McSweeney, alongside a pattern of earlier staff departures, have significantly shaken Keir Starmer's government. The added pressure from the Lord Peter Mandelson scandal, linked to the Epstein files, has amplified internal dissent among Labour MPs. These converging factors raise profound questions about the stability of Number 10 and the resilience of Starmer's premiership. While formal mechanisms for leadership change may be complex, the evident disquiet within the parliamentary party indicates a period of heightened political challenge for the Prime Minister.
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Sources Used:
BBC News (Live Updates): Provides real-time reporting on the resignations and their immediate aftermath.
Evening Standard: Reports on the anger among Labour MPs and the connection to the Mandelson scandal.
BBC News (Analysis): Offers a broader perspective on potential threats to Starmer's leadership.
The Guardian: Details the departure of Steph Driver and other aides, highlighting a pattern of exits.
The Independent: Covers Steph Driver's resignation as another blow to the Prime Minister, mentioning the Mandelson and Rayner departures.
Link: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/starmer-labour-conference-steph-driver-b2833624.html
Daily Express: Reports on Steph Driver's exit as a significant blow and mentions other recent departures.
Link: https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2113420/keir-starmer-steph-driver-quits
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