Starmer’s Chief of Staff Resigns Over Mandelson Appointment – CityAM

The political fallout from the appointment – and subsequent removal – of Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States has deepened, triggering the resignation of Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney. The resignation, announced on Sunday, February 8th, 2026, comes amid renewed scrutiny of the vetting process surrounding Mandelson and his past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

McSweeney, who succeeded Sue Gray in October 2024, accepted “full responsibility” for advising Prime Minister Starmer on the initial nomination of Mandelson. In a statement released following his departure, he described the decision as “wrong” and called for a “fundamental overhaul” of the due diligence procedures used to vet potential ambassadors. He stated the existing process had “failed to disprove Mandelson’s claims that he barely knew Epstein.”

The controversy surrounding Mandelson’s appointment resurfaced in September 2025, following the release of additional files from the US Department of Justice detailing his connections to Epstein. Further disclosures in the past month have intensified pressure on Starmer’s team to explain the extent of their knowledge regarding the relationship. This latest wave of scrutiny prompted a rebellion from Labour backbenchers, led by former deputy leader Angela Rayner, demanding independent review of the vetting documents.

Starmer initially attempted to manage the release of the vetting files through the Cabinet Office, a move criticized by Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, who accused Labour of attempting a “cover-up” by preventing backbenchers from reviewing the documents before publication. Badenoch publicly questioned Starmer’s confidence in McSweeney during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, February 5th, 2026, to which Starmer responded with a firm affirmation of his support.

Badenoch reacted to McSweeney’s resignation on social media, stating that Starmer consistently deflects blame, attributing problems to others rather than taking ownership of his own decisions. She highlighted a pattern of excuses, such as claiming Mandelson misled him or that McSweeney provided faulty advice.

Starmer, while acknowledging McSweeney’s “dedication, loyalty and leadership” and expressing a “debt of gratitude” for his service, notably refrained from mentioning Mandelson in his statement. McSweeney’s departure represents a significant blow to Starmer, particularly given his central role in Labour’s recent electoral success and amid reports of potential leadership challenges within the party.

The situation underscores the political risks associated with vetting high-profile appointments, particularly when past associations raise ethical concerns. The Epstein connection has proven to be a particularly sensitive issue, given the widespread condemnation of Epstein’s crimes and the scrutiny faced by individuals linked to him. The failure to adequately address these concerns during the vetting process has damaged Labour’s credibility and raised questions about Starmer’s judgment.

The resignation also highlights the internal tensions within the Labour party. Rayner’s leadership of the backbench rebellion demonstrates a willingness to challenge Starmer’s authority, potentially signaling a broader discontent within the party ranks. The calls for a no-confidence vote, though downplayed by Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, suggest a degree of instability within the Labour leadership.

McSweeney’s full resignation statement emphasized the importance of accountability and the need to prioritize the victims of Epstein’s crimes. He reiterated his support for Starmer and his commitment to the Labour government’s agenda, but ultimately concluded that stepping aside was the “honourable course” given the circumstances. He also stressed the necessity of a comprehensive overhaul of the vetting process to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.

The fallout from this episode is likely to continue in the coming days and weeks, as Labour seeks to regain control of the narrative and address the concerns raised by McSweeney’s resignation. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of thorough vetting and the potential consequences of overlooking past associations, particularly in the realm of high-profile political appointments.