Morgan McSweeney, a key figure in Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration, has stepped down from his role as Chief of Staff. His resignation follows significant pressure stemming from his reported advice regarding the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson to the position of US Ambassador. McSweeney stated he takes "full responsibility" for his role in the recommendation.
The Fallout from the Mandelson Appointment
The decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as US Ambassador became a focal point of criticism, particularly after connections to Jeffrey Epstein resurfaced in public discussion. This controversy created internal friction within the Labour Party and raised questions about judgment within Downing Street.
Timeline of Events: McSweeney's resignation comes shortly after public discussions intensified regarding Lord Mandelson's past associations and the perceived appropriateness of his diplomatic nomination.
Key Figures Involved:
Morgan McSweeney: Prime Minister Starmer's Chief of Staff.
Keir Starmer: The Prime Minister.
Lord Peter Mandelson: Nominated for US Ambassador, a former Labour peer.
Core Issue: McSweeney's reported advice to endorse Lord Mandelson for the ambassadorship.
McSweeney's Role and Stated Responsibility
McSweeney, described as a central figure in Starmer's political projects and instrumental in the 2024 general election campaign, issued a statement acknowledging his part in the Mandelson decision.
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"I take full responsibility for advising the Prime Minister to appoint Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador."
He further expressed regret, acknowledging the decision was "wrong" and that he had maintained a relationship with Mandelson. McSweeney also apologized to victims connected to the broader controversy.
"He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself."
Internal Party Dynamics and Criticisms
McSweeney's tenure was marked by his significant influence behind the scenes. Reports suggest he had previously been a target for criticism from the left wing of the Labour Party, with accusations of marginalizing dissenting voices. His departure is seen by some as a response to these mounting pressures.
Allegations: Some Labour MPs reportedly blamed McSweeney for the Mandelson appointment.
Broader Concerns: Concerns were often raised about the extent of his influence within the party's structure.
Impact on Prime Minister Starmer
The resignation of his long-time adviser is considered a blow to Prime Minister Starmer, potentially raising questions about his judgment and leadership during this period. The controversy surrounding the Mandelson appointment, now compounded by the resignation of his chief aide, presents a difficult challenge for the administration.
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Official Statements and Public Reaction
While McSweeney has taken responsibility, the broader narrative within the reporting suggests significant damage to the party and public trust. Statements from within the Labour Party acknowledged McSweeney's contributions to rebuilding trust and standards, while simultaneously noting the negative impact of the controversy.
"He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself."
Expert Analysis
Political reporter Paul Seddon noted McSweeney's historical role: "He ran Starmer’s successful bid for the Labour leadership in 2020, and was the party’s campaign director for the 2024 general election before taking over the chief of staff role." This highlights his deep involvement in shaping the current government.
The reporting suggests a sentiment that: "Keir Starmer has taken responsibility for his own terrible decisions. But he never does." This quote, attributed to a post on X, indicates a perception of reluctance from Starmer to fully own the outcomes of choices made within his administration.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Morgan McSweeney's resignation as Chief of Staff is a direct consequence of the controversy surrounding Lord Peter Mandelson's proposed ambassadorship to the US. McSweeney has publicly accepted responsibility for his advisory role in this decision, acknowledging it as a mistake. The situation has amplified existing tensions within the Labour Party and has placed Prime Minister Starmer under scrutiny regarding his judgment and leadership. The full implications for the administration and future appointments remain to be seen, but the immediate effect is the departure of a highly influential figure.
Sources
BBC News: Reporting on McSweeney's resignation, detailing his role and the circumstances.https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c74wd01egvyt
The Guardian: Coverage of the resignation and the broader political context.https://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2026/feb/08/morgan-mcsweeney-resigns-as-keir-starmer-chief-of-staff
Sky News: Reporting on the resignation of Starmer's top aide.https://news.sky.com/story/starmers-top-aide-morgan-mcsweeney-resigns-13431484
Evening Standard: Reporting on the resignation linked to the Mandelson controversy.https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/morgan-mcsweeney-resigns-as-starmer-s-chief-of-staff-following-epstein-scandal-b1270117.html
Metro: Reporting on McSweeney's resignation due to the Mandelson scandal.https://metro.co.uk/2026/02/08/keir-starmers-top-adviser-morgan-mcsweeney-resigns-mandelson-scandal-26721051/
Irish Mirror: Reporting on the resignation of the "Irishman" from his role.https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/world-news/irishman-morgan-mcsweeney-resigns-keir-36689310
Firstpost: Reporting on the resignation amid the Epstein fallout and Mandelson appointment.https://www.firstpost.com/world/uk-pm-starmers-chief-of-staff-quits-over-mandelson-appointment-amid-epstein-fallout-13977550.html
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