Keir Starmer's Top Communicator Leaves Job

Tim Allan, who led communications for Keir Starmer, has resigned from his job. This is the latest in a series of people leaving important roles. It happens while Starmer is facing difficult questions about his leadership.
By Newsroom | UK Politics, Government |

Grim-faced members of the Cabinet have been observed entering the Prime Minister's office, a situation unfolding as Keir Starmer's Director of Communications, Tim Allan, announced his resignation. This development follows closely on the heels of his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, stepping down the previous day. These departures cast a shadow over Starmer's leadership, particularly as he faces scrutiny over the appointment of Lord Mandelson as ambassador to the US. The timing of these events is notable, occurring amidst wider political pressure and before significant upcoming elections.

Now Starmer's comms chief QUITS as grim-faced Cabinet march into teetering PM's bunker - 1

The departure of key communications staff and a chief of staff signals significant upheaval within Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration, raising questions about leadership stability and strategic direction during a period of political sensitivity.

Now Starmer's comms chief QUITS as grim-faced Cabinet march into teetering PM's bunker - 2

Personnel Shifts in Prime Minister Starmer's Inner Circle

The recent days have witnessed a series of high-profile departures from Prime Minister Keir Starmer's immediate staff.

Read More: Minister Asks to Stop New Top Job Choice Until Old Files Are Out

Now Starmer's comms chief QUITS as grim-faced Cabinet march into teetering PM's bunker - 3

  • Tim Allan, Starmer's Director of Communications, has announced his resignation, stating his departure is "to allow new No 10 team to be built."

  • This follows the resignation of Morgan McSweeney, Starmer's Chief of Staff, who announced his decision to step down on Sunday.

  • Earlier in the year, Matthew Doyle, Starmer's Communications Director, also quit after a series of perceived mishaps.

  • Steph Driver, who worked under Doyle as deputy, is also noted as having left Downing Street.

  • James Lyons, who previously shared the communications director role with Driver, reportedly departed earlier in the month.

  • Paul Ovenden, the strategy chief, also left Downing Street the week prior to Driver's departure.

  • Prior to these communications and strategy roles, Sue Gray quit as Chief of Staff in the autumn.

Scrutiny Over Lord Mandelson's Appointment

A significant point of contention has been the appointment of Lord Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the United States.

Read More: New Law Stops Government Payments to People Who Have Died

Now Starmer's comms chief QUITS as grim-faced Cabinet march into teetering PM's bunker - 4

  • This appointment is particularly controversial due to Lord Mandelson's known links with Jeffrey Epstein, a financier convicted of child sex offenses.

  • Reports indicate that Prime Minister Starmer was aware of these continuing links even after Epstein's conviction.

  • Lord Mandelson has previously denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein, though he has expressed regret for maintaining the relationship and offered apologies to Epstein's victims.

  • The controversy surrounding this appointment has intensified pressure on Starmer's leadership.

Political Ramifications and Internal Reactions

The series of resignations and the Mandelson controversy have ignited strong reactions within the political sphere.

  • Some parliamentary colleagues have openly questioned Starmer's judgment. One MP is quoted as saying, "He made a bad decision, he should take responsibility for that… this man said that he was the chief prosecutor for the country, when did he start believing everything that people told him?"

  • There are suggestions that McSweeney's resignation may not be enough to salvage Starmer's premiership, with one MP noting, "All this has done has bought him a little more time, but he's mortally wounded and it's not if, it's when he goes."

  • Union leaders have also voiced their concerns. Maryam Eslamdoust, General Secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association, stated, "There's no case for waiting until May, given the scale of defeat we are facing at these critical elections."

  • Starmer is expected to face his Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) to address these issues.

Historical Context of Communications Roles

The frequent turnover in communications leadership is a notable pattern under Starmer's premiership.

Read More: Minister and Mayor Disagree with Businessman on Immigration

  • Tim Allan himself has a history of working within government, having served as a press officer for Tony Blair and later as an advisor in Downing Street. He also worked for Rupert Murdoch before rejoining Downing Street operations.

  • Starmer has now reportedly sought his fifth No. 10 communications chief since becoming prime minister.

  • Matthew Doyle was brought into the communications director role during the party's time in opposition, four years prior.

Wider Staff Exits and Government Reshuffle

These communications and chief of staff departures are part of a larger trend of senior staff changes.

  • Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, resigned over her tax affairs.

  • The sacking of the UK ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, following the exposure of his ties to Epstein, is another significant exit.

  • These changes have occurred during what is described as a wider reset of the government, including cabinet reshuffles and changes to junior ministerial positions.

Read More: Jim Ratcliffe Criticized for Immigration Comments

Sources:

Read More: Immigration Leaders to Speak to Senate as Government Funding May End

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Tim Allan leave his job?
He said he wants to allow a new team to be built.
Q: Who else has left recently?
Starmer's Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney, also resigned. Other people in communications and strategy roles have also left.
Q: Is this related to Lord Mandelson?
Lord Mandelson's appointment as ambassador has caused problems, and this adds to the pressure on Starmer's leadership.