Morgan McSweeney, a central figure in Sir Keir Starmer's political operations, has resigned from his position as Downing Street chief of staff. This departure follows mounting pressure related to the controversial appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the US. The controversy gained renewed intensity with recent releases of documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein. McSweeney's resignation marks a significant shift in Starmer's administration, potentially impacting the broader political landscape.
Core Events and Timeline
The resignation of Morgan McSweeney is the culmination of events triggered by the vetting process for Lord Peter Mandelson's potential appointment as ambassador to the US.
Pre-Resignation Pressure: McSweeney faced sustained criticism and pressure from within the Labour party, including from veteran members and Members of Parliament. These figures reportedly held him accountable for advocating for Mandelson's appointment.
Epstein Files Release: The recent unsealing of documents pertaining to Jeffrey Epstein reportedly reignited the controversy surrounding Mandelson. These documents, according to reports, contained information that intensified scrutiny on Mandelson's past associations and potentially influenced the decision-making process.
McSweeney's Admission: McSweeney himself has acknowledged the situation, stating that he takes "full responsibility" for advising Starmer on the Mandelson appointment. He characterized the decision as "wrong."
Resignation: Following this period of intensified scrutiny and admitted responsibility, McSweeney submitted his resignation.
Evidence and Statements
Statements from various sources corroborate the sequence of events and the motivations behind McSweeney's departure.
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"Morgan McSweeney has resigned from his post as the prime minister’s chief of staff." - inews.co.uk
"McSweeney resigned as Downing Street chief of staff, finally bowing to pressure from Labour veterans and MPs over his involvement in the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US." - inews.co.uk
"He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself." - Morgan McSweeney, cited in multiple reports, including The Guardian and The Daily Mail.
"McSweeney says he takes 'full responsibility' for advising Starmer to appoint Mandelson." - The Guardian
"The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself." - Morgan McSweeney, cited in Metro.co.uk.
"Kemi Badenoch has said that 'it's about time' for McSweeney to resign. She has criticised Starmer, arguing that 'once again with this PM it’s somebody else’s fault: 'Mandelson lied to me' or 'Morgan advised me'.'" - BBC News
"Sir Keir paid tribute to Mr McSweeney on Sunday for having 'turned our party around' and said he owed his outgoing aide 'a debt of gratitude'." - Daily Mail
Scrutiny Over Mandelson Appointment
The decision to appoint Lord Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US became a focal point of contention. Reports suggest McSweeney was a key advocate for this appointment, a stance that has drawn significant criticism.
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Mandelson's Connection to Epstein: Reports indicate that Lord Mandelson's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein became a central issue. Recent releases of Epstein-related documents are understood to have amplified these concerns, leading to increased pressure for scrutiny.
Accusations of Deception: Sir Keir Starmer himself has stated that Lord Mandelson "lied about his relationship with Epstein during his vetting." This assertion, made by the Prime Minister, adds weight to the severity of the situation.
Impact on Trust: The controversy has been framed as damaging to "our party, our country and trust in politics itself," a sentiment attributed to McSweeney himself. This indicates a recognition of the broader implications for public confidence in political institutions.
McSweeney's Role and Influence
Morgan McSweeney is described as a pivotal figure in Sir Keir Starmer's rise, credited with building the "Starmer project." His resignation raises questions about the stability and direction of the administration he helped to establish.
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Architect of Starmer's Ascent: McSweeney is widely recognized as instrumental in Sir Keir Starmer's successful campaign for Labour leader and his subsequent positioning as Prime Minister. His strategic input is considered fundamental to Starmer's political career.
"Turning the Party Around": Following a period of significant electoral defeat for Labour, McSweeney is credited with playing a key role in the party's resurgence. This underscores his perceived effectiveness in political strategy and campaign management.
Collateral Damage: Some reports suggest McSweeney's departure, following the fallout from Mandelson's appointment, positions him as "collateral" in the unfolding scandal, implying he bore responsibility for a decision that ultimately became untenable.
Expert and Political Reactions
Reactions from political figures and commentators highlight differing perspectives on McSweeney's departure and its implications.
Conservative Criticism: Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative Party leader, has publicly stated that McSweeney's resignation was "about time." She has criticized Starmer's handling of the situation, suggesting a pattern of deflecting blame. Badenoch has urged the Prime Minister to "take responsibility for his own terrible decisions."
Prime Ministerial Gratitude: Despite the circumstances, Sir Keir Starmer has expressed gratitude for McSweeney's service, acknowledging his role in transforming the Labour party and stating he owes him "a huge debt of gratitude."
Calls for Prime Ministerial Responsibility: While McSweeney takes responsibility for his advice, some voices, including political commentators and figures like Pat McFadden, suggest that ultimate accountability rests with the Prime Minister. This points to an ongoing debate about where the buck stops within the administration.
Conclusion and Future Implications
Morgan McSweeney's resignation as Downing Street chief of staff is a direct consequence of the protracted Mandelson scandal and its renewed intensity due to the Epstein files. McSweeney, a figure instrumental in Sir Keir Starmer's political success, has taken responsibility for advising on the appointment that has now led to his departure. This event signifies a substantial shift within Starmer's inner circle and has prompted broader discussions about accountability and leadership within the administration. The ongoing scrutiny, particularly from political opponents, suggests this situation may continue to shape public perception and political discourse. The Prime Minister's acknowledgment of McSweeney's past contributions, contrasted with external calls for greater personal responsibility, indicates a complex political environment.
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Sources Used:
Financial Times: https://www.ft.com/content/af753c0f-cb24-4ff2-9630-c5095c58b038 - Provides confirmation of the resignation, though content focuses on subscription details.
Metro.co.uk: https://metro.co.uk/2026/02/08/keir-starmers-top-adviser-morgan-mcsweeney-resigns-mandelson-scandal-26721051/ - Details McSweeney's resignation, links it to the Mandelson scandal and Epstein files, and includes a quote from McSweeney about the appointment being wrong.
Timesnownews.com: https://www.timesnownews.com/world/uk/who-is-morgan-mcsweeney-starmers-chief-of-staff-quits-as-epstein-files-trigger-labour-crisis-article-153581259 - Frames the resignation within the context of the Epstein files and McSweeney's foundational role in the "Starmer project."
inews.co.uk: https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/uk-politics-live-latest-updates-15-4222252 - Confirms McSweeney's resignation, quotes him taking responsibility, and includes the Prime Minister's tribute to McSweeney's past contributions.
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/feb/08/peter-mandelson-payoff-keir-starmer-jeffrey-epstein-ambassadoruk-politics-live-news-updates - Features McSweeney's statement taking "full responsibility" and includes his resignation letter in full.
The Independent (Ireland): https://www.independent.ie/world-news/britain/keir-starmers-irish-born-chief-of-staff-morgan-mcsweeney-quits-over-mandelson-epstein-scandal/a761689980.html - Connects McSweeney's resignation directly to the Mandelson-Epstein scandal and the pressure from Labour MPs.
BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c74wd01egvyt - Reports on McSweeney's resignation and includes critical comments from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.
Daily Mail: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15540165/Starmers-chief-staff-Morgan-McSweeney-resigns-government-scandal-Lord-Mandelsons-appointment-continues-rage.html - Confirms the resignation, highlights the pressure over the Mandelson appointment, and includes Starmer's tribute.
Sky News: https://news.sky.com/story/politics-latest-mandelson-starmer-brown-epstein-files-labour-leader-12593360 - Discusses the Mandelson scandal and includes quotes from Pat McFadden regarding responsibility, with the article dated April 23, 2025, which seems an anomaly compared to other publication dates.
The Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/morgan-mcsweeney-quits-mandelson-keir-starmer-labour-b2913172.html - A short article confirming the resignation over the Mandelson scandal.
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