UK PM’s chief of staff resigns over appointment of Epstein associate as US envoy
Morgan McSweeney, the chief of staff for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has resigned from his position amid a widening political scandal related to the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the United States.
McSweeney, who played a key role in Labour's recent electoral success, said on Sunday that the decision to appoint Mandelson had undermined trust in the party, the country, and politics as a whole.
His resignation came after the release of emails revealing Mandelson's continued contact with the deceased convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, fuelling anger within Labour and beyond.
In a statement released to the Guardian, McSweeney said he took “full responsibility” for advising the prime minister on the appointment, emphasizing the importance of owning responsibility in public life.
“When asked, I advised the prime minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice,” he said. “In public life responsibility must be owned when it matters most, not just when it is most convenient. In the circumstances, the only honorable course is to step aside.”
The resignation represents a significant blow to Starmer, who heavily relied on McSweeney’s political judgment both in opposition and in government.
McSweeney’s role in reshaping Labour and steering it to a landslide general election victory in 2024 had made him one of the most influential figures in British politics in recent years.
Reactions among Labour MPs to his resignation were mixed, with some praising his record and attributing his departure to being a scapegoat, while others criticized the overly centralized decision-making culture within the government that McSweeney symbolized.
Friends of McSweeney said he plans to step away from frontline politics for a period, though speculation has already begun about a possible return in a future advisory or campaign role.
In his statement, McSweeney called for a fundamental overhaul of the government's vetting and due diligence processes, emphasizing the importance of not losing sight of the victims of Jeffrey Epstein.
He also reiterated his support for Starmer's efforts to rebuild trust and restore standards in public life.
Starmer expressed gratitude toward McSweeney for his role in revitalizing Labour, acknowledging the ongoing pressure the party faces despite the chief of staff’s resignation.
“Our party and I owe him a debt of gratitude,” the prime minister said.
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