Keir Starmer is working to regain control of his party after accepting the resignation of his top adviser, Morgan Mc Sweeney, following backlash over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador.
After several days of scrutiny regarding the scandal, Mc Sweeney stated on Sunday that he takes “full responsibility” for advising Starmer to send Mandelson to Washington despite his ongoing ties with Jeffrey Epstein. Mc Sweeney acknowledged that this situation had eroded trust in Labour and in politics overall.
Starmer’s supporters believe that Mc Sweeney’s exit may help calm rising discontent among MPs regarding his leadership and deter potential challengers. However, losing someone seen as a key strategist behind Starmer’s ascent is a significant setback. The spotlight is now back on the prime minister’s choice to appoint Mandelson.
Mc Sweeney (right) and Mandelson last June. The departing chief of staff said he took ‘full responsibility’ for his advice on the US ambassadorial appointment. Photograph: Tayfun Salci
Senior Labour insiders mentioned that Mc Sweeney’s departure has left the prime minister vulnerable as he approaches various policy and electoral challenges – including the Gorton and Denton byelection later this month – which could shape his political future.
A source close to Downing Street commented: “Keir has just lost his firewall, on Mandelson and a whole load of other issues. Where does he think the anger gets directed next?”
One MP remarked: “The buck ultimately stops with the PM. All this has done is buy him a little more time but he’s mortally wounded; it’s not if, it’s when he goes.”
Senior government officials indicated that pressure will only grow on Starmer with the upcoming release of hundreds of thousands of documents, including private Whats App messages and emails involving Mandelson, No 10 officials, and ministers during his time in Washington.
One well-informed source suggested these documents would reveal that the Cabinet Office’s propriety and ethics team had warned about serious reputational risks linked to appointing Mandelson due to his publicly known connections with Epstein.
Losing Mc Sweeney is a setback for Starmer, who relied heavily on his political judgment often more than his own, even as No 10 frequently faced criticism as a result. The two were reported to have discussed Mc Sweeney’s future multiple times over recent days before agreeing on Sunday that he should resign.
Political adversaries and some senior figures within Labour accused Starmer of allowing Mc Sweeney to take blame for Mandelson’s appointment when it ultimately came down to Starmer’s own decisions. Friends of Mc Sweeney insisted it was inaccurate to claim he pushed for the appointment, stating: “He gave his advice, but that’s all it was. Keir made the decision.”
In a statement on Sunday, Mc Sweeney said: “After careful reflection, I have decided to resign from the government. The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself. When asked, I advised the prime minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice. In public life responsibility must be owned when it matters most, not just when it is most convenient. In the circumstances, the only honourable course is to step aside.”
He mentioned that there needs to be a “fundamental overhaul” of vetting processes for appointments after this incident involving Mandelson. “This cannot simply be a gesture but a safeguard for the future,” he added.
Downing Street staff received an email late Sunday confirming that Starmer had asked Jill Cuthbertson and Vidhya Alakeson, deputies of Mc Sweeney, to step up as acting chiefs of staff immediately.
Since Labour gained power, Mc Sweeney has been seen as a target by some backbenchers and grassroots members who were uncomfortable with how things were going under him regarding immigration policies and welfare cuts.
A senior MP stated: “It’s about time. Mc Sweeney was behind numerous poor decisions because he can’t behave anything other than factionally. The PM needs to take charge here and listen to a broader range of voices than those he’s been hearing so far.”
Over the weekend several senior Labour politicians criticized operations at No 10. Former prime minister Gordon Brown noted that while Starmer possesses integrity; he’s been “slow to do the right things.”
David Blunkett described conditions as “dire” for Starmer while asserting that it was necessary for Mc Sweeney to leave office too. However, Blunkett also cautioned allies of Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting against continuing their internal conflicts through media briefings saying: “When people see a party acting like ferrets in a sack they draw their conclusions,” he expressed.
Others worried whether Starmer could handle these pressures effectively moving forward. One former New Labour cabinet member shared: “While some might feel relieved about Morgan stepping down; my worry lies with Keir himself rather than just his advisers.”
Friends close to Mc Sweeny informed The Guardian that although he’s looking at taking time off from politics now; it’s likely he’ll return eventually saying: “Morgan has been doing this for 25 years; I’m sure he’ll get more involved again in future but not right now,” one friend commented.
Mc Sweeeney remarked in his statement: “This has not been an easy decision. Much has been written about me over time but my motivations have always been straightforward: I’ve worked daily towards electing or supporting governments prioritizing ordinary people’s lives leading us toward better futures together. Only Labour can accomplish such goals.”
“I leave feeling proud about everything we’ve accomplished mixed alongside regret concerning why I’m departing today. Yet I’ve always believed there are moments where you need accept accountability while stepping aside so larger causes prevail.”
Starmer noted on Sunday how grateful he was towards mc Sweene Y recalling him helping transform their party following previous major defeats plus playing vital roles during election campaigns stating: “It largely stems from thanks given due dedication loyalty shown throughout our journey having secured landslide victories offering chances aimed at altering societal norms effectively.” The Prime Minister showcased confidence regarding former aide until Thursday prior leading us into another transitional phase since Sue Gray departed last year alongside various changes occurring at No 10 lately too.
Kemi Badenoch – Conservative leader weighed-in suggesting Pm should prioritize taking ownership especially concerning past actions reminding everyone they’ve yet again shifted blame elsewhere claiming: “Time indeed elapsed before realizing consequences occurred naturally without noticing what truly mattered instead preferring others held accountable instead – yet keir star Mer never quite manages such responsibilities himself!”
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Kemi Badenoch – Conservative leader weighed-in suggesting Pm should prioritize taking ownership especially concerning past actions reminding everyone they’ve yet again shifted blame elsewhere claiming: “Time indeed elapsed before realizing consequences occurred naturally without noticing what truly mattered instead preferring others held accountable instead – yet keir star Mer never quite manages such responsibilities himself!”
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