The Green Post Ireland
Morgan McSweeney, the Irish-born chief of staff to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has resigned after accepting responsibility for advising the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States, despite Mandelson’s known association with Jeffrey Epstein.
Resignation follows release of Epstein-linked documents
McSweeney’s departure comes after newly released US documents detailed the extent of Mandelson’s relationship with the late sex offender. The revelations have triggered what many observers describe as the most serious crisis of Starmer’s premiership, 18 months into his time in office.
Mandelson was sent to Washington in 2024, a decision that has since drawn intense scrutiny and political backlash. McSweeney, a key strategist behind Labour’s return to power, said he was stepping down because the advice he gave the prime minister had proved wrong.
The 48-year-old, originally from Macroom in Co Cork, had been widely credited with helping reshape Labour’s electoral strategy and was seen as central to Starmer’s rise. His resignation marks another major setback for the government, less than two years after Labour secured one of the largest parliamentary majorities in modern UK history.
McSweeney accepts responsibility
In a statement, McSweeney said the decision to appoint Mandelson had damaged the Labour Party, public trust, and confidence in politics more broadly. He said he fully accepted responsibility for recommending the appointment when consulted by the prime minister.
He also said the controversy should not distract from the victims of Epstein, stressing that the suffering of women and girls affected by his crimes must remain central. McSweeney added that the vetting and due diligence process surrounding senior appointments now requires a fundamental overhaul, warning that reform must be substantive rather than symbolic.
Despite his resignation, McSweeney said he continues to support Starmer and his efforts to rebuild trust and restore standards in public life, describing his time in office as the honour of his life.
Starmer under pressure as party unrest grows
Keir Starmer paid tribute to McSweeney, calling it an honour to have worked with him and crediting him with helping turn the party around after one of its worst defeats. Starmer said McSweeney played a central role in Labour’s landslide election victory and praised his loyalty, leadership, and dedication.
However, polls show Starmer’s popularity has slumped following a series of policy reversals, and critics within Labour are increasingly questioning his judgment. Some party figures argue McSweeney’s resignation may buy time but will not end the internal crisis.
The controversy intensified after US authorities released files on 30 January, prompting a police investigation into potential misconduct in office. The inquiry centres on allegations that Mandelson leaked market-sensitive information to Epstein while serving as a government minister during the 2009–2010 financial crisis.
Starmer dismissed Mandelson as ambassador in September over the Epstein links, and the government has since agreed to release almost all previously private communications linked to his appointment. Those disclosures could emerge as early as this week and may create fresh political difficulties, particularly if messages relating to the UK’s approach to US President Donald Trump become public.
Political reaction and uncertainty ahead
Opposition figures were quick to respond. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch welcomed McSweeney’s resignation but said Starmer himself must take responsibility for the decision. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage predicted that Starmer’s time in Downing Street may be limited, citing growing instability within Labour.
Within the party, some MPs had blamed McSweeney for the Mandelson appointment, while others argue the responsibility ultimately lies with the prime minister. One senior Labour figure, speaking anonymously, said the resignation came too late and described the situation as nearing a breaking point.
McSweeney’s background traces a rapid rise through Labour ranks after moving to London at 17. Inspired by the Good Friday Agreement, he joined the party and later led Labour Together, a think tank focused on moving Labour away from the hard left. He became head of political strategy after Labour’s 2024 election victory and was appointed chief of staff in October that year, following the resignation of Sue Gray.
It remains unclear who will replace McSweeney. Vidhya Alakeson, the deputy chief of staff and a close ally of Starmer from his time in opposition, is currently the most senior figure in the office.
