London, United Kingdom. Morgan McSweeney has resigned as chief of staff to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, according to Sky News and journalists at The Guardian. In his resignation statement, McSweeney said he was stepping aside after advising Starmer to proceed with the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States.
Reports and context
Sky News reported that McSweeney had exerted strong pressure for Mandelson to be appointed as ambassador to the United States. McSweeney’s departure comes weeks after Starmer lost two other close aides: policy director Paul Ovenden and communications chief Steph Driver.
Resignation statement
McSweeney said: “When I was asked, I advised the prime minister to proceed with this appointment, and I take full responsibility for that advice. In public life, responsibility must be taken when it matters most, not only when it is convenient. In these circumstances, the only honourable course is for me to step aside.”
Resignation letter
In his full resignation letter, McSweeney wrote: “After careful consideration, I have decided to resign from government. The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was a mistake. It caused damage to our party, to our country and to the public’s trust in politics. When asked, I advised the Prime Minister to go ahead with this appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice.”
Political reaction
McSweeney’s resignation is widely seen as an attempt to defuse a political crisis that has sent shockwaves through Westminster.
How do you think this resignation will affect Keir Starmer’s inner circle and decision-making?
