Starmer Confronts Labour MPs Amid Leadership Crisis After Top Aide Resigns
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is bracing for a stormy meeting with furious Labour MPs on Monday, as he fights to salvage his premiership following the dramatic resignation of his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney. The departure, linked to the escalating scandal over Lord Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador, has plunged Starmer's government into profound turmoil, with some parliamentarians openly calling for the Prime Minister to step down.
McSweeney's Resignation Rocks Downing Street
Morgan McSweeney, the architect of Starmer's leadership ascent and the Labour Party's election victory, resigned on Sunday, accepting "full responsibility" for advising the Prime Minister to appoint Lord Mandelson. This advice was given despite Mandelson's documented relationship with the convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. In his resignation letter, McSweeney stated the appointment was "wrong" and had damaged the party, the country, and trust in politics. He emphasised that responsibility must be owned "when it matters most," leading to his decision to step aside.
Labour MPs Demand Starmer's Resignation
The parliamentary Labour Party meeting on Monday is expected to be highly charged. Brian Leishman, Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, argued that Starmer must "question whether he should follow McSweeney's lead" and resign for the "good of the country." Other MPs, like Rachael Maskell, suggested on BBC Radio 4 that without significant change, Starmer would find it "difficult to continue" in office. This internal rebellion highlights the severe pressure mounting on the Prime Minister from within his own ranks.
Analysis: A Weakened Premier ExposedThe resignation of McSweeney, a central figure in both securing and operating Starmer's government, leaves the Prime Minister critically exposed. McSweeney was viewed by Labour MPs as either a toxic influence or a gateway to promotion, but his absence creates a significant power vacuum. The scandal now directly threatens Starmer's hold on Number Ten, as the Mandelson-Epstein connection continues to generate fierce public and political backlash.
Starmer's Defence and New Appointments
In response, Sir Keir Starmer issued a statement praising McSweeney's "dedication, loyalty and leadership," crediting him with turning the party around and delivering a landslide election victory. Simultaneously, Downing Street has moved to appoint two acting chiefs of staff: Vidhya Alakeson, who will handle policy and external relations, and Jill Cuthbertson, who will manage the Prime Minister's diary and serve as his gatekeeper. These appointments aim to stabilise operations but may not quell the political storm.
Broader Fallout and Government Response
The scandal's repercussions extend beyond personnel changes. The Foreign Office is reportedly reviewing a five-figure payoff given to Lord Mandelson upon his dismissal as US ambassador. Furthermore, McSweeney's resignation letter called for a fundamental overhaul of the government's due diligence and vetting processes to prevent future failures. Despite the crisis, a defiant Starmer plans to tour the country next week, promoting his government's agenda for working people, even as calls for his resignation grow louder.
The coming days will be crucial for Keir Starmer's political survival. With his right-hand man gone and party unity fracturing, the Prime Minister must navigate intense scrutiny over the Mandelson appointment while attempting to rally support and demonstrate control. The outcome of Monday's meeting with Labour MPs could determine whether Starmer can weather this storm or if his premiership is nearing its end.
