LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing growing political pressure after his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned on Sunday over the fallout from the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States.
In a statement announcing his departure, McSweeney said he was stepping down because he had advised Starmer to make the controversial appointment, which has since drawn intense criticism.
The prime minister is confronting what many observers describe as the most serious crisis of his 18-month tenure. The controversy erupted after newly released files detailed Mandelson’s past links with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, raising questions about judgment and accountability at the highest levels of government.
McSweeney, 48, a key political strategist credited with helping Starmer lead the Labour Party to a landslide victory less than two years ago, said he accepted full responsibility for his role in the decision.
“The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics,” McSweeney said. “When asked, I advised the prime minister to make that appointment, and I take full responsibility for that advice.”
His exit has cast uncertainty over the future direction of the government at a time when opinion polls already show declining public support for Starmer. Several Labour lawmakers had previously called for McSweeney’s resignation, arguing that he bore responsibility for the appointment.
Starmer, who had defended his aide over the past week, paid tribute to him on Sunday, saying it had been “an honour” to work together.
The controversy intensified after evidence emerged in recent days suggesting that Mandelson may have leaked government documents to Epstein in 2009 and 2010. These revelations have prompted a police investigation into alleged misconduct in public office.
The scandal has reopened old divisions within the party and sparked wider calls for accountability. Some MPs have questioned whether McSweeney’s resignation will be sufficient to restore public trust.
Opposition figures have also stepped up their criticism. Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, said Starmer must take responsibility for his decisions.
“Starmer has to take responsibility for his own terrible decisions,” she said.
With internal dissent growing and public confidence wavering, the prime minister now faces mounting pressure to stabilise his leadership and address concerns over judgment and transparency.
