Morgan McSweeney Resigns as Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Following Mandelson Controversy
In a dramatic political development, Morgan McSweeney has stepped down from his role as chief of staff to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The resignation comes amid mounting pressure and public scrutiny over the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson, a decision that has sparked significant backlash within the Labour Party and beyond.
McSweeney Takes Full Responsibility for Controversial Advice
In a formal statement released earlier today, McSweeney declared that resigning was "the only honourable course" given the circumstances. He acknowledged his direct involvement in the decision-making process, stating that he had advised Starmer to appoint Mandelson and therefore bears full responsibility for the consequences.
"After careful reflection, I have decided to resign from the government," McSweeney said. "The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself."
McSweeney emphasized the importance of accountability in public service, noting that "responsibility must be owned when it matters most, not just when it is most convenient." His departure marks a significant moment for Starmer's administration, which now faces questions about its internal decision-making processes and political judgment.
Growing Pressure on Starmer's Leadership
The resignation follows weeks of increasing pressure on Prime Minister Starmer to address the fallout from the Mandelson appointment. Critics have argued that bringing Mandelson back into a prominent government role has undermined public trust and created divisions within the Labour Party.
McSweeney's exit represents the most tangible consequence of the scandal to date, removing one of Starmer's closest advisors from the heart of government. The timing of the resignation—coming after what McSweeney described as "careful reflection"—suggests the political damage had become unsustainable for both the advisor and the administration he served.
As the government grapples with this development, attention now turns to how Starmer will reorganize his senior team and whether further changes might follow. The Prime Minister has yet to make a public statement regarding McSweeney's departure or the ongoing controversy surrounding Mandelson's appointment.
