Starmer’s chief of staff resigns over Mandelson appointment

Morgan McSweeney, the chief of staff to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, resigned on Sunday after days of political upheaval over his role in the appointment of Peter Mandelson, a friend of Jeffrey Epstein, as ambassador to the United States.

A longtime protégé of Mr. Mandelson, Mr. McSweeney said the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson "was wrong" and had "damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself." He added that when asked he advised the prime minister to make that appointment and that he "take[s] full responsibility" for that advice.

Labour allies had been calling for his departure after emails released by the U.S. Justice Department revealed a much closer relationship between Mr. Mandelson and Mr. Epstein than had previously been known.

The resignation could dampen calls for Mr. Starmer to step down, or it could accelerate a fast-moving scandal that threatens to bring down the prime minister’s leadership of the first Labour Party government in 14 years.

United Kingdom

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