Keir Starmer's Communications Boss Quits

Tim Allan, who was in charge of how Keir Starmer's government talks to people, has left his job. This happened soon after his main helper, Morgan McSweeney, also quit. These changes come as people are unhappy about Starmer's choice to make Lord Mandelson an ambassador, because of Mandelson's past links to Jeffrey Epstein.
By Newsroom | UK Politics, Government |

A Swift Departure Amidst Scandal

Tim Allan, the director of communications for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has stepped down after only five months in the role. This resignation follows closely on the heels of Morgan McSweeney, Starmer's chief of staff, who also departed his position. Both exits occur against the backdrop of significant political pressure on Starmer, particularly concerning the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, given Mandelson's known associations with Jeffrey Epstein. The rapid succession of these high-profile departures creates a palpable sense of instability within Number 10 Downing Street.

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Key Developments and Timeline

  • Early February 2026: Reports emerge of Tim Allan's resignation as Director of Communications for Keir Starmer.

  • Day Prior to Allan's Resignation: Morgan McSweeney, Starmer's Chief of Staff, resigns from his post.

  • Context of Resignations: Both departures are linked to the fallout from Starmer's decision to appoint Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, despite awareness of his connections to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

  • Allan's Tenure: Allan began his role as Communications Director in September 2025.

  • McSweeney's Role: McSweeney reportedly advised Starmer on the Mandelson appointment.

Evidence of Discontent and Pressure

The resignations have been met with considerable commentary from within the political sphere. Several MPs have expressed concerns about Starmer's leadership and the need for him to address perceived errors.

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"He has got to convince the Parliamentary Labour Party he has got it."

- Andy McDonald, Labour MP

"If he doesn't own the error he has made and recognise the problem in front of him and articulate it and tell us how he is going to deal with it, then I am afraid it is coming to end - if not today then certainly in the weeks and months ahead."

- Andy McDonald, Labour MP

"The thing that makes me most angry is the undermining of the belief that politics can be a force for good and can change lives."

- Baroness Smith of Malvern, referring to the Mandelson affair.

"He could've released the files relating to the appointment, he chose not to do so because he is scared, he is weak, he throws other people under a bus, he's got no backbone."

- Unnamed Labour source commenting on Starmer's handling of the situation.

"The Prime Minister is expected to address a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party amid anger over his appointment of the peer as ambassador to the US despite knowing that his links with Jeffrey Epstein continued after the financier’s conviction for child sex offences."

- The Standard

Allan's Stated Reasons for Departure

In a brief statement, Tim Allan indicated his intention to step down to facilitate the formation of a new team within Number 10.

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"I have decided to stand down to allow a new No 10 team to be built. I wish the PM and his team every success."

- Tim Allan

However, other reports suggest ambiguity surrounding the circumstances of his exit, with speculation about whether it was a voluntary decision or a dismissal.

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"His senior colleagues say they don’t know. Did Starmer sack him or has he genuinely decided to go on his own terms?"

- New Statesman

Scrutiny Over Mandelson Appointment

The core of the current political crisis revolves around Starmer's decision to appoint Lord Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington. Public and internal party pressure has mounted due to Mandelson's past associations with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted financier involved in sex offenses.

  • Awareness of Links: Keir Starmer has stated he was aware of Mandelson's connections to Epstein when the appointment was made.

  • Allegations of Deception: Starmer claims Mandelson lied about the extent of his relationship with Epstein.

  • Apologies Issued: Starmer has reportedly apologized to Epstein's victims and pledged to review appointment processes.

  • McSweeney's Involvement: Morgan McSweeney's resignation is directly linked to his role in advising on and supporting the Mandelson appointment.

Broader Implications for Starmer's Leadership

The resignations of two senior aides within a short period have amplified concerns about Keir Starmer's leadership and his ability to navigate the current political challenges. Some MPs are calling for greater accountability and a clearer demonstration of leadership.

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  • Fifth Communications Chief: Allan's departure means Starmer has had five different Directors of Communications in Number 10 since becoming Prime Minister, highlighting a pattern of instability in this critical area.

  • Internal Pressure: Starmer is expected to address the Parliamentary Labour Party, an indication of the internal dissent and pressure he is facing.

  • Calls for Strength: Some allies, while backing Starmer, suggest he needs to "step up a bit more" to provide clear leadership.

"Sir Keir Starmer is facing a political crisis following the resignation of two key allies amidst the fallout from the Lord Peter Mandelson scandal."

- The Independent

Conclusion: A Team in Flux

The resignation of Tim Allan, coupled with Morgan McSweeney's earlier departure, signifies a period of significant upheaval for Keir Starmer's administration. The immediate trigger appears to be the controversy surrounding the Lord Peter Mandelson appointment, which has cast a shadow over Starmer's judgment and leadership. Downing Street has affirmed that Starmer is not resigning and intends to focus on his duties. However, the loss of two key figures in rapid succession necessitates a rebuilding of his senior team and a clear strategy to address the internal and external pressures that have arisen. The coming weeks will likely reveal how effectively Starmer can re-stabilize his leadership and communication strategy.

Sources:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Tim Allan?
Tim Allan was the person who helped Keir Starmer's government speak to the news and the public. He just left his job.
Q: Why did he leave?
He said he left so a new team could be made. But some people think it might be because of problems with a recent decision.
Q: What recent decision caused problems?
Keir Starmer chose Lord Mandelson to be an ambassador. Lord Mandelson has past connections to Jeffrey Epstein, who was a known criminal. This choice made many people unhappy.