LONDON : Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s closest aide and the architect of Labour’s landslide general election victory in July 2024, stepped down over the weekend following renewed scrutiny of Peter Mandelson’s past connections with Epstein. The controversy intensified after the release of Epstein-related documents in the US and the launch of a criminal investigation by UK police.
In his resignation letter, McSweeney accepted full responsibility for advising Starmer to appoint Mandelson as ambassador to Washington last year, a role from which Mandelson was later removed. “The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself,” McSweeney wrote, adding that he alone bore responsibility for the advice given to the Prime Minister.
The resignation has sparked fresh unrest within the Labour Party, with MPs openly questioning Starmer’s judgment and leadership. A crucial Parliamentary Labour Party meeting scheduled for Monday evening is widely seen as make-or-break for the Prime Minister, as he seeks to reassure both Cabinet members and backbenchers that he remains the right person to lead the government.
Starmer paid tribute to McSweeney’s role in reshaping Labour after its electoral defeat, crediting him with playing a central role in delivering the party’s overwhelming victory. However, the loss of his chief of staff leaves the Prime Minister facing a major reset of his Downing Street team at a time of growing political vulnerability.
According to documents linked to Epstein and released in the United States, Mandelson shared confidential information with Epstein during his tenure as business secretary under the Gordon Brown Labour government. Opposition parties have seized on the revelations, while Labour MPs have raised concerns over the vetting process that led to Mandelson’s appointment to one of the UK’s most senior diplomatic posts.
Last week, Starmer issued a public apology to Epstein’s victims, acknowledging that while Mandelson’s acquaintance with Epstein had been known, the full extent of the relationship was not. “I am sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed you, and sorry for having believed Mandelson’s lies and appointing him,” the Prime Minister said.
The Epstein scandal has also prompted an unusual response from the royal household. Kensington Palace released a statement on behalf of Prince William and Kate Middleton, saying they were “deeply concerned by the continuing revelations” and that their thoughts remained focused on the victims.
The statement made no reference to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III, who has previously faced scrutiny over his own past association with Epstein.
Morgan McSweeney, a key aide to UK PM Starmer, resigned amid controversy over Peter Mandelson's ties to Epstein. McSweeney took full responsibility for advising Mandelson's appointment as ambassador, which has led to unrest within the Labour Party. The scandal has intensified scrutiny on Starmer's leadership, with a crucial party meeting looming.