Morgan McSweeney, the chief of staff to Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain, has resigned under significant pressure. His departure comes after days of intense political turmoil surrounding his recommendation of Peter Mandelson, a known associate of Jeffrey Epstein, for the role of ambassador to the United States.
In a formal statement, Mr. McSweeney, who has long been a protégé of Mr. Mandelson’s, admitted, “The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country, and trust in politics itself.”
He further clarified, “When asked, I advised the Prime Minister to make that appointment, and I take full responsibility for that advice.”
Allies of Prime Minister Starmer within the Labour Party had been publicly calling for Mr. McSweeney’s resignation for several days. This mounting pressure stemmed from recently uncovered emails, released by the U.S. Justice Department, which exposed a far closer relationship than previously acknowledged between Mr. Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein, the notorious and disgraced financier who died in prison in 2019.
While this resignation might ease some of the immediate demands for Prime Minister Starmer himself to step down, it could also intensify a rapidly unfolding scandal. This controversy now threatens to destabilize the Labour Party’s leadership, their first government in 14 years.
This remains a developing story. Please check back for the latest updates.