Downing Street Chief of Staff Resigns Over Mandelson Appointment Scandal
Morgan McSweeney has resigned as the Prime Minister's chief of staff following his central role in the controversial appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. The resignation comes amid mounting political pressure and revelations about Mandelson's connections to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Full Responsibility Accepted in Resignation Statement
In a comprehensive resignation letter addressed to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, McSweeney stated he took "full responsibility" for advising the appointment. "The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong," he wrote, acknowledging that Mandelson had damaged both the Labour Party and public trust in politics.
McSweeney's resignation represents a significant blow to Starmer's administration, particularly given his instrumental role in securing Labour's landslide election victory in 2024. The departure is widely viewed as a damage limitation exercise as calls grow for the Prime Minister himself to resign over the escalating scandal.
Security Concerns and Diplomatic Fallout
The appointment faced substantial opposition from multiple quarters:
- The Donald Trump administration expressed concerns about Mandelson's suitability
- Security services raised red flags regarding his connections to China
- Revelations from the Epstein files detailed Mandelson's ongoing relationship with the convicted sex offender
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden explained that Mandelson was originally appointed due to his perceived skills as a political operator who could navigate the Trump administration effectively. "They were looking for someone who could operate at the highest political level," McFadden stated, while acknowledging the decision had "blown up in the most spectacular manner."
Financial Settlement Under Review
The Foreign Office has confirmed it is reviewing a five-figure exit payment made to Lord Mandelson following his dismissal as US ambassador. Estimates suggest the settlement ranged between £38,750 and £55,000 before tax deductions, representing approximately three months of salary.
A Foreign Office spokesperson stated: "Peter Mandelson's civil service employment was terminated in accordance with legal advice and the terms and conditions of his employment." The review comes amid growing parliamentary anger over the financial arrangements.
Political Reactions and Criticism
Conservative shadow minister Alex Burghart described the situation as "the worst political scandal of my lifetime" during an appearance on Sky News. He criticised the Starmer administration for multiple policy U-turns and called for new leadership, praising Kemi Badenoch as embodying "honest, straight-talking and decent" politics.
Burghart further suggested that Starmer had sufficient information to avoid the appointment, stating: "I think if the prime minister had stopped to think about what he was doing, he would not have made the appointment."
Internal Labour Warnings Ignored
Reports indicate that Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner warned Starmer against appointing Mandelson, specifically citing concerns about his relationship with Epstein. These warnings were reportedly disregarded, contributing to the current political crisis.
In his resignation letter, McSweeney called for fundamental reform of the vetting process, stating: "This cannot simply be a gesture but a safeguard for the future." He also emphasised the need to remember "the women and girls whose lives were ruined by Jeffrey Epstein."
Starmer's Defiant Response
Despite mounting pressure, Downing Street has confirmed that Starmer plans to lead a political fightback, with the Prime Minister scheduled to travel around the country to promote his government's achievements. This bold move comes as some Labour MPs and trade union leaders join calls for his resignation.
The scandal has exposed significant weaknesses in the government's appointment processes and raised serious questions about judgment at the highest levels of the Labour administration.
