UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, on Sunday resigned amid the ongoing controversy over the 2024 appointment of British Ambassador Peter Mandelson, despite his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
FILE PHOTO: Downing Street Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney arrives for the annual Lady Mayor's Banquet at the Guildhall in London, Britain. REUTERS/Chris J. Ratcliffe/File Photo (REUTERS)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
The resignation comes amid mounting pressure on Starmer over the scandal following the release of emails highlighting Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein.
Mandelson was the UK Ambassador to the United States from February 2025 to September 2025.
Morgan McSweeney announced his resignation, saying his decision to appoint Mandelson was wrong and damaged his country.
"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," Morgan McSweeney said in a statement.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
Mandelson, a former Cabinet minister and an ambassador, has not been arrested or charged.
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
Mandelson, a former Cabinet minister and an ambassador, has not been arrested or charged.
{{/usCountry}}
“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," he added.
Mandelson was fired by Starmer in September last year from his ambassadorial job over earlier revelations about his Epstein ties. But the fresh emails published by the US Justice Department have brought serious concerns about Starmer’s judgment to the fore.
Starmer is facing one of the worst attacks in his 18 months in power over his decision to send Mandelson to the US in 2024.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
With McSweeney's departure, the future direction of the government is into doubt as the the political strategist who was instrumental in Starmer's rise to power.
Starmer’s government has promised to release its own emails and other documentation related to Mandelson’s appointment, which it says will show that Mandelson misled officials.
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.
Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.
Home/World News/Epstein files trigger another resignation in UK, Starmer's chief of staff resigns over 2024 appointment
{{^htLoading}}
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
{{#usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe
