Morgan McSweeney, Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, left his role as a close aide to the prime minister in anger over his role in the appointment. Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.
As the pressure on Starmer grew over the scandal, his position became increasingly untenable. Extent of Mandelson’s relation With convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
McSweeney resigned, saying he took “full responsibility” for advising the Starmer to appoint Mandelson, a breach of trust. laborcountry and politics too, and that it was the “honorable course” for him to go.
However, his departure will be a major blow to the prime minister, who has lost close advisers in recent months and relied on his political judgement, even as Number 10 has often come under fire as a result.
In a statement released to the Guardian, McSweeney said: “After careful consideration, I have decided to resign from government. The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged trust in our party, our country and politics itself.
“When asked, I advised the Prime Minister to make the appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice. Responsibility in public life is important, not just when it is most convenient. Under the circumstances, an honorable course must be followed.”
He continued: “This was not an easy decision. Much has been written and said about me over the years, but my motivations have always been simple: I have worked every day to elect and support a government that puts ordinary people’s lives first and leads to a better future for our great country. Only a Labor government can do that.
“I regret the circumstances of my departure and leave proud of what we have achieved. But I have always believed that there are moments when you have to accept your responsibility and step away for a greater cause.”
McSweeney concluded: “As I leave I have two other reflections: First, and most importantly, we must remember the women and girls whose lives were destroyed by Jeffrey Epstein and whose voices were not heard for too long.
“Secondly, although I have not overseen the due diligence and vetting process, I believe that process needs to be fundamentally overhauled now. This is not just a gesture but a safeguard for the future.
“I will be in full support of the Prime Minister. He is working every day to rebuild trust, restore standards and serve the nation. I will continue to support that mission in whatever way I can. It has been the honor of my life to serve.”
Starmer said: “It’s an honor to work on it Morgan McSweeney Many years. He turned our party around after one of its worst defeats and played a major role in our election campaign. Thanks to his dedication, loyalty and leadership, we got the chance to win a super majority and transform the country.
“Having worked with Morgan in opposition and in government, I have seen his commitment to the Labor Party and to our country every day. Our party and I owe him a debt of gratitude and I thank him for his service.”
The loss of McSweeney, who began his career trying to dislodge the hard left from Labor in Lambeth, south London, was particularly symbolic. Starmer is a key player in the project and Labour’s transition ahead of the 2024 election.
Despite his success in guiding Labor to a huge majority, McSweeney had critics within the party and particularly among MPs, many of whom complained that he presided over an unnecessarily partisan, petty and cliquey Downing Street operation.
