Keir Starmer’s Chief of Staff Quits Amid Row Over Peter Mandelson’s Links to Jeffrey Epstein

Britain: There has been a big setback for the Keir Starmer government in Britain. The Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney resigned on Sunday. The reason is the advice to make Peter Mandelson the British ambassador to America, while his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein was revealed. Epstein was a notorious sex offender who has died.

Why did Morgan McSweeney resign?

McSweeney himself issued a statement saying that he gave wrong advice to the PM. "Appointing Peter Mandelson was the wrong decision. It has damaged trust in our Labor Party, our country and our politics." He took full responsibility and said that in public life one has to take responsibility for mistakes. McSweeney had been in the post since October 2024 and was considered Starmer's closest advisor. He played a big role in Labor's victory in the 2024 election.

How did this controversy start?

On January 30, the US Justice Department released new documents related to Epstein. These contained details of old conversations and emails between Mandelson and Epstein. It was revealed that during the Global Financial Crisis of 2008–2010, when Mandelson was Britain's Business Secretary, he had shared market-sensitive information with Epstein. After this, in September 2025, Starmer removed Mandelson from the post of ambassador.

What action did the police take?

After these revelations, the Metropolitan Police started a criminal investigation against Mandelson for misconduct in public office. Police also searched his two houses. Mandelson has denied any wrongdoing and says he did nothing wrong.

Why is the pressure on Keir Starmer increasing?

Starmer had defended McSweeney in the past few days, but said after his resignation that it had been "an honor" to work with him. Opposition leaders such as the Conservatives' Cammy Badenoch and Reform UK's Nigel Farage said McSweeney's departure alone was not enough – Starmer herself must answer. Some MPs of the Labor Party are also saying that this is a big failure of the leadership of the government. The government has decided to release most of the private communications related to Mandelson's appointment, which may increase further problems in the coming days.

Who is McSweeney?

McSweeney, 48, was considered low-profile but very influential. He had a major role in Starmer's leadership campaign and repositioning the party. Many blame him for creating a "closed culture" in Downing Street. His departure is a big loss for the government, especially when there are already policy U-turns and internal criticism.

Overall, this scandal has become the biggest problem for the Starmer government. The Epstein files have created a new turmoil in the lives of old politicians, and now it remains to be seen how Starmer can overcome it.