Keir Starmer's Communications Head Leaves Job

Tim Allan, who led communications for Keir Starmer, has resigned from his job. This is the second senior person to leave Starmer's team in two days. The departures happen as people discuss the choice of Lord Mandelson for a job in Washington.
By Newsroom | UK Politics, London |

The sudden departure of Tim Allan, Keir Starmer's Director of Communications, marks a significant shift within the Prime Minister's inner circle. Allan's resignation, occurring just one day after the exit of Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney, intensifies pressure on Starmer's administration. This latest development unfolds against the backdrop of a contentious debate surrounding the appointment of Lord Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, a decision clouded by Mandelson's past associations.

Political Reshuffle Amidst Mandelson Controversy

The UK political landscape is experiencing a period of significant flux, characterized by key personnel changes within Prime Minister Keir Starmer's team. Tim Allan, who had held the position of Director of Communications for only five months, announced his resignation. This follows closely on the heels of Morgan McSweeney, Starmer's Chief of Staff, who also departed his role. These exits have fueled speculation about the stability of Starmer's leadership.

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The central point of contention appears to be the decision to appoint Lord Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington. Mandelson's links to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have drawn considerable criticism.

  • Tim Allan's Departure: Allan cited the need to "allow a new No 10 team to be built" as his reason for stepping down. His tenure was relatively brief, having started in September 2025.

  • Morgan McSweeney's Exit: McSweeney's departure was reportedly his own decision, attributed to his role in advising on the "wrong" appointment of Lord Mandelson.

  • The Mandelson Appointment: The controversy centers on the vetting process for Mandelson's ambassadorship, with questions arising about the extent to which his ties to Epstein were known or properly handled.

Background of Key Personnel

Tim Allan: Allan is a seasoned figure with prior experience in government communications. He previously served as a press officer for Tony Blair and held a role in Downing Street between 1994 and 1998. He later moved to work for Rupert Murdoch before rejoining Downing Street in September 2025 under Keir Starmer. Allan's appointment as Starmer's communications chief succeeded James Lyons.

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Morgan McSweeney: McSweeney served as Starmer's Chief of Staff. His resignation has been linked directly to the Mandelson appointment controversy.

Peter Mandelson: Lord Mandelson, a prominent political figure, has faced scrutiny due to his past connections with Jeffrey Epstein. His appointment to a diplomatic role has ignited a debate about due diligence and the perception of judgment within Starmer's administration.

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Evidence of Discontent and Pressure

Statements from various sources highlight the palpable tension and criticism directed at Starmer's leadership.

  • Jacqui Smith (Skills Minister): Speaking to Sky News, Smith stated that McSweeney's decision to leave was his own and commented on the perceived damage to the party and public trust. She remarked, "He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself."

  • James Lyons (Former Director of Strategic Communications): Lyons suggested that McSweeney's resignation would make Starmer's path to survival "narrower and much steeper." He also indicated that pressure would continue to mount on Starmer.

  • Labour MPs: Some Labour MPs, including Brian Leishman, Ian Byrne, and Kim Johnson, have publicly suggested that Starmer should consider resigning, mirroring McSweeney's exit.

  • General Sentiment: Multiple reports indicate that Starmer is facing significant pressure from Labour MPs and union leaders. The frequent turnover in the Downing Street communications role is also noted, with Allan being the fourth communications chief to leave Starmer's operation in less than a year.

Divergent Perspectives on Responsibility

The resignations have brought into sharp focus differing views on accountability and the handling of the Mandelson affair.

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Arguments for Starmer's Responsibility

Critics argue that Starmer bears ultimate responsibility for the decisions made within his administration, particularly concerning high-profile appointments.

  • The fact that two senior aides have resigned in quick succession suggests a broader issue within Starmer's leadership.

  • Questions have been raised about Starmer's own judgment, with one commentator asking, "He claimed not to know, then he changed his story and claimed that he had been lied to.”

  • Some have questioned why Starmer did not release files related to the Mandelson appointment, suggesting it indicates a lack of confidence or fear.

Arguments for Staff Accountability

Others point to the direct responsibility of the staff involved in advising on or executing specific decisions.

  • Morgan McSweeney's resignation is explicitly linked to his advice on the "wrong" appointment of Lord Mandelson.

  • Tim Allan's stated reason for leaving – to allow a new team to be built – could be interpreted as an acknowledgment that a change at the top was necessary for the team's effectiveness.

  • The Prime Minister's office, through statements like "I wish the PM and his team every success,” appears to be drawing a line under the situation, suggesting staff changes are a way to move forward.

Expert Analysis

Political commentators have weighed in on the implications of these departures. James Lyons, a former Director of Strategic Communications, stated that McSweeney's exit would "narrow Mr Keir’s path to survival." This sentiment is echoed in broader reports that highlight the mounting pressure on Starmer. The rapid succession of communications directors—with Allan being the fourth in less than 19 months—is seen as a sign of instability within the Prime Minister's Downing Street operation.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The resignations of Tim Allan and Morgan McSweeney represent a significant blow to Keir Starmer's administration. The controversy surrounding Lord Mandelson's appointment appears to be the primary catalyst for these departures. The situation has intensified scrutiny on Starmer's leadership and his ability to maintain stability within his team.

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  • Immediate Fallout: The focus is likely to remain on Starmer's handling of the Mandelson affair and his capacity to regain the trust of his party and the public.

  • Personnel Changes: The need to build a "new No 10 team" suggests further potential shifts in staffing and strategy.

  • Political Ramifications: The Conservatives are expected to continue leveraging these events to their political advantage. The resignations also embolden internal critics within the Labour party.

The coming days will be critical for Keir Starmer to address the growing unease and demonstrate a clear path forward.

Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Tim Allan?
Tim Allan was the Director of Communications for Keir Starmer. He worked in government before.
Q: Why did Tim Allan leave?
He said he left so a new team could be built. This follows the resignation of the Chief of Staff.
Q: What is the controversy about?
There are questions about the choice of Lord Mandelson to be an ambassador. This is because of his past friends.
Q: Is Keir Starmer in trouble?
Two important people have left his team quickly. Some people in his party are asking him to think about his job.