What's happened
Morgan McSweeney resigned as Labour's chief of staff amid controversy over his role in recommending Lord Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador. The resignation follows revelations about Mandelson's links to Jeffrey Epstein and questions about vetting processes, with Prime Minister Starmer supporting McSweeney's decision to step down.
What's behind the headline?
The resignation of Morgan McSweeney highlights the deepening crisis within Labour's leadership amid scandal. His role in advocating for Mandelson's appointment, despite the emerging links to Epstein, exposes vulnerabilities in vetting and decision-making processes. The timing suggests an effort to deflect blame and reassure the public. The scandal risks undermining Labour's credibility, especially as questions about Starmer's judgment intensify. Moving forward, the party must overhaul vetting procedures and address internal factionalism to rebuild trust. The fallout may also influence Labour's electoral prospects, as voters scrutinize the party's integrity and leadership stability. This episode underscores the importance of rigorous due diligence in diplomatic appointments and the broader need for accountability in political decision-making.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that McSweeney's resignation was driven by the fallout from his recommendation of Mandelson, emphasizing the damage to trust and the need for vetting overhaul. Politics.co.uk highlights McSweeney's full responsibility and his support for Starmer, framing his departure as a necessary step. The Independent provides detailed background on McSweeney's career and the internal pressures leading to his resignation, including the controversy over Epstein links and the party's internal struggles. Sky News offers a comprehensive overview of the political fallout, including criticisms from MPs and the implications for Starmer's judgment, emphasizing the scandal's impact on Labour's reputation and internal cohesion.
How we got here
Morgan McSweeney, a key figure in Labour's recent electoral success, pushed for Lord Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador. The controversy arose after emails revealed Mandelson's connections to Jeffrey Epstein, leading to scrutiny of vetting procedures and questions about judgment within the party. McSweeney's resignation is seen as an attempt to contain damage and restore trust.
Go deeper
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Morgan James McSweeney (born 19 April 1977) is an Irish political strategist for the British Labour Party. He served as Downing Street Chief of Staff under Prime Minister Keir Starmer from October 2024 until his resignation in February 2026. A close colle
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Peter Benjamin Mandelson, Baron Mandelson PC is a British Labour politician, president of international think tank Policy Network, honorary president of the Great Britain–China Centre, and chairman of strategic advisory firm Global Counsel.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Jeffrey Edward Epstein was an American financier and convicted sex offender. He began his professional life as a teacher but then switched to the banking and finance sector in various roles, working at Bear Stearns before forming his own firm.