UK PM's Chief Of Staff McSweeney Resigns Over Mandelson Links To Epstein

Last Updated:February 08, 2026, 20:50 IST

Morgan McSweeney resigned as Keir Starmer's chief of staff over Peter Mandelson's US ambassador appointment, linked to Jeffrey Epstein, sparking backlash within the Labour Party

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney on Sunday resigned over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US, who was allegedly linked to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

“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.

Also Read: Keir Starmer Under Pressure: Who Could Succeed Him As Mandelson Scandal Threatens UK PM’s Future?

“I advised the Prime Minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice," he added.

Starmer is facing the gravest political crisis of his premiership after a scandal involving the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States triggered anger within his own Labour Party and fresh public backlash.

Starmer on Thursday apologised to victims of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein for appointing Mandelson, a longtime associate of Epstein, to the prestigious diplomatic post. The apology came as opposition parties called for his resignation and some Labour lawmakers questioned his judgement.

Also Read: ‘Don’t Want To Cause Embarrassment’: Ex-British Envoy Resigns From Labour Party Over Epstein Links

Newly released files last week revealed intimate email exchanges between Mandelson and Epstein, as well as evidence of financial dealings and the sharing of potentially sensitive information.

Starmer admitted he knew Mandelson had maintained contact with Epstein even after the financier’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor, but said he was unaware of the “depth and darkness" of the relationship.

He fired Mandelson in September after only seven months in the post, but the damage to his own credibility has been severe.

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