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Downing Street in Crisis as Top Aide Quits Over Epstein-Linked Ambassador
In a dramatic development that has rocked British politics, Morgan McSweeney, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff and closest political strategist, has resigned from his Downing Street position. The resignation comes amid the escalating scandal surrounding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States, despite warnings about his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
'Full Responsibility' for Damaging Decision
In his resignation statement, McSweeney took what he called 'full responsibility' for advising Starmer to appoint Mandelson to the prestigious Washington post in 2024. 'The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong,' McSweeney wrote. 'He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself.'
The resignation represents a significant blow to Starmer's administration, as McSweeney was widely regarded as the architect of Labour's 2024 election victory and had been instrumental in shaping the Prime Minister's political strategy since his leadership bid.
Mandelson's Epstein Connections Deepen Crisis
The scandal has intensified with newly released documents revealing disturbing details about Mandelson's relationship with Epstein. According to Al Jazeera's reporting, Mandelson may have received $75,000 in payments from Epstein and shared market-sensitive government information with the convicted sex offender while serving as business secretary in 2009.
Mandelson, a former top advisor to Tony Blair, minister, and European commissioner, was fired by Starmer in September 2025 when more details about his Epstein connections emerged. He has since resigned from the Labour Party and the House of Lords, and now faces a potential criminal investigation for misconduct in public office.
Starmer's Leadership Under Threat
The crisis comes at a particularly vulnerable time for Starmer, whose approval ratings have plummeted to historic lows. According to YouGov's January 2026 ratings, only 18% of Britons view the Prime Minister favorably, while 75% hold unfavorable views - giving him a net rating of -57.
Political analysts suggest McSweeney's resignation may be too little, too late to save Starmer's premiership. 'Ironically, Morgan McSweeney played a role that Peter Mandelson previously played in Tony Blair's New Labour government: an influential strategist operating mainly behind the scenes,' noted UK correspondent Arjen van der Horst. 'With his resignation as chief of staff, Keir Starmer loses his most important support pillar in the government.'
What Comes Next for Labour?
The scandal has exposed serious flaws in the government's vetting processes and raised questions about Starmer's judgment. Several Labour MPs had been calling for McSweeney's resignation in recent weeks, reflecting growing discontent within the party.
In his response to McSweeney's departure, Starmer praised his former aide's service, writing: 'It has been an honor to work with him for years. He has helped our party get back on its feet. It is largely thanks to his dedication, loyalty and leadership that we have had the opportunity to change this country.'
However, with bookmakers dramatically slashing odds on Starmer stepping down this year and internal party tensions rising, the Prime Minister faces perhaps the greatest challenge of his political career. The May 2026 elections for Scottish Parliament, Welsh Senedd, and local authorities across England now loom as a critical test of whether Starmer can survive this crisis.
Sources
Independent: Morgan McSweeney resigns as Starmer's chief of staff
Sky News: Starmer's top aide Morgan McSweeney resigns
Al Jazeera: How Epstein-Mandelson files rocked the UK government
