Morgan McSweeney, a key aide to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has resigned from his position as Chief of Staff. This departure follows intense scrutiny and public pressure stemming from the appointment of Peter Mandelson as Ambassador to the United States. The controversy resurfaced with the release of new documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
McSweeney, widely recognized for his role in shaping Starmer's political success, stated he advised the Prime Minister on the appointment and takes "full responsibility for that advice." The decision has triggered significant debate within the Labour party and the broader political sphere.
The Chief of Staff's Influence
The role of Chief of Staff in government is paramount. This individual serves as the Prime Minister's closest confidant and operates at the highest level of the cabinet. Their duties are varied but critically include:
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Providing counsel on government policy, party strategy, and communication.
Managing political staff and special advisors within Downing Street.
Acting as a "gatekeeper," controlling access to the Prime Minister.
Accompanying the Prime Minister to important meetings and privy to their daily information flow.
Timeline of Events and Key Actors
Peter Mandelson's Appointment: The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as Ambassador to the US was made in 2024.
Mandelson's Prior Sacking: Lord Mandelson was previously dismissed from a role in September due to his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
Epstein Files Release: Recent documents concerning Jeffrey Epstein's connections have reignited concerns about Mandelson's past relationships.
McSweeney's Role: Morgan McSweeney, as Chief of Staff, was directly involved in advising Keir Starmer on the Mandelson appointment.
McSweeney's Resignation: Morgan McSweeney announced his resignation, citing responsibility for his advice on the appointment.
Resurfacing Concerns Over Mandelson's Past
The latest disclosures from the Epstein files have brought Peter Mandelson's past associations back into public focus. The files reportedly suggest he shared confidential information with Epstein when he was a cabinet minister. This has amplified concerns about Mandelson's suitability for the ambassadorial role and, by extension, the judgment of those who sanctioned his appointment.
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"He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself." - Statement attributed to a Labour MP.
Accusations and Internal Party Dynamics
Several Labour Members of Parliament (MPs) have publicly blamed McSweeney for Mandelson's appointment. There have been long-standing grievances regarding McSweeney's perceived influence, with accusations that he has sidelined members of the party's left wing.
Some MPs argue the appointment demonstrates a "terrible personal judgment" by Keir Starmer, particularly given the known links to Epstein.
Others acknowledge McSweeney's significant contributions to Starmer's rise, referencing his role in rebuilding the party after a substantial electoral defeat.
McSweeney's Statement of Responsibility
In his resignation statement, Morgan McSweeney directly addressed his involvement in the Mandelson appointment.
"When asked, I advised the Prime Minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice." - Morgan McSweeney's resignation statement.
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He framed his resignation as "the only honourable course." This admission places the focus squarely on the decision-making process within Starmer's inner circle.
Expert Perspectives
The situation prompts examination of accountability within government. The chief of staff's position is one of considerable power, directly influencing the Prime Minister's decisions.
The magnitude of the fallout suggests a significant miscalculation in the Mandelson appointment or its subsequent management.
The timing of the resignation, following renewed scrutiny of Mandelson's past, indicates a strategic move to mitigate further damage to Starmer's leadership.
Findings and Implications
Morgan McSweeney's resignation represents a concession of responsibility for the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador. The resurfacing of details regarding Mandelson's links to Jeffrey Epstein created an untenable situation, leading to McSweeney's departure.
The event underscores the fragility of political trust and the impact of past associations on present appointments.
It raises questions about the vetting processes for high-profile diplomatic roles.
The implications for Keir Starmer's leadership are significant, potentially testing his ability to navigate crises and maintain public confidence.
Sources Used:
BBC News: "Morgan McSweeney quits as PM's chief of staff following Mandelson scandal" - https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c74wd01egvyt - Provides a basic primer on the Chief of Staff role and reports on McSweeney's resignation.
The Guardian: "Morgan McSweeney resigns as Keir Starmer’s chief of staff" - https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/08/morgan-mcsweeney-resigns-as-keir-starmer-chief-of-staff - Details McSweeney's resignation, includes quotes about damage to the party, and notes the link to Mandelson's appointment.
Sky News: "Starmer's top aide Morgan McSweeney resigns" - https://news.sky.com/story/starmers-top-aide-morgan-mcsweeney-resigns-13431484 - Reports on the resignation and highlights the role of Epstein files in bringing the Mandelson issue back into focus.
The Straits Times: "UK PM Starmer's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney quits over Mandelson fallout" - https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/uk-pm-starmers-chief-of-staff-morgan-mcsweeney-quits-over-mandelson-fallout - Confirms McSweeney's resignation, details his statement of responsibility, and links it to Starmer's decision regarding Mandelson.
The Herald: "‘The only honourable course’: Morgan McSweeney quits as Keir Starmer's chief of staff" - https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25836155.keir-starmers-chief-staff-quits-mandelson-scandal/ - Focuses on McSweeney's justification for resignation and reiterates Starmer's responsibility for the appointment.
Metro: "Keir Starmer's top adviser Morgan McSweeney resigns over Mandelson scandal" - https://metro.co.uk/2026/02/08/keir-starmers-top-adviser-morgan-mcsweeney-resigns-mandelson-scandal-26721051/ - Labels McSweeney as the "mastermind" behind Starmer's rise and connects his resignation to the Mandelson controversy sparked by Epstein files.
The Independent: "McSweeney quits as Starmer’s chief of staff over Mandelson scandal" - https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/morgan-mcsweeney-quits-mandelson-keir-starmer-labour-b2913172.html - Reports on McSweeney's resignation due to the Mandelson scandal.
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