Morgan McSweeney has resigned from his position as chief of staff to Sir Keir Starmer following a backlash over the appointment of Lord Mandelson as ambassador to the United States. The resignation marks a critical moment for Starmer, who has faced diminishing political authority over the past year and a half.
The controversy erupted after it was revealed that Downing Street proceeded with Mandelson’s appointment despite his connections to the late financier convicted of child sex crimes. McSweeney maintained that Mandelson was the most qualified candidate for the role, even after civil servants cautioned him against the decision. His departure is perceived as a necessary step for Starmer to regain control of his leadership within the Labour Party.
In a statement released on Sunday, McSweeney acknowledged the gravity of the situation, declaring, “In the circumstances, the only honourable course is to step aside.” He accepted full responsibility for advising Starmer on Mandelson’s appointment and emphasized the need for accountability in public life.
Political Fallout and Accountability
McSweeney’s resignation comes amid internal unrest within the Labour Party, where some MPs had threatened to support a leadership challenge against Starmer if he did not dismiss his chief of staff. McSweeney, once regarded as the architect of Labour’s success in the 2024 General Election, became chief of staff in October 2024 after a tumultuous beginning to Labour’s tenure, which included the dismissal of Sue Gray from a top role.
Reflecting on the decision to appoint Mandelson, McSweeney stated it was “wrong” and acknowledged that it had compromised the party’s integrity and public trust. He expressed regret over the circumstances of his departure but maintained that stepping down was essential for the greater good. “I have always believed there are moments when you must accept your responsibility and step aside for the bigger cause,” he noted.
While McSweeney had previously faced criticism for his management style and unpopular policies, the backlash intensified following attempts to defend Mandelson’s position after the latter’s dismissal in September. Discontent among Labour MPs had been brewing even before the Mandelson scandal, stemming from policies such as the controversial winter fuel raid on pensioners and significant welfare cuts that prompted reversals.
Looking Ahead for Starmer and Labour
McSweeney expressed continued support for Starmer, stating, “He is working every day to rebuild trust, restore standards, and serve the country.” He vowed to support Labour’s mission in any capacity he could, highlighting his commitment to the party’s vision of prioritizing the needs of ordinary citizens.
As the Labour Party navigates this crisis, Starmer faces the challenge of re-establishing his leadership and addressing the growing dissatisfaction among his colleagues. The future of his premiership now hinges on how effectively he can manage the fallout from this scandal and unite the party moving forward.
