Starmer in fight to reassert control over Labour party after McSweeney exit

Keir Starmer accepted the resignation of his closest adviser, Morgan McSweeney, after anger over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. McSweeney said he took full responsibility for advising the appointment despite Mandelson's ongoing relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a matter he said had undermined trust in Labour and in politics itself.

Allies hope the departure of a powerful and divisive adviser will calm mounting anger among MPs and deter potential challengers, but losing the man seen as the architect of Starmer's rise is a substantial blow. The spotlight has returned to the prime minister's decision to appoint Mandelson, and senior Labour sources said the resignation left Starmer exposed as he heads towards a series of policy and electoral challenges, including the Gorton and Denton byelection later this month.

Pressure is expected to increase with the anticipated release of hundreds of thousands of documents, including private WhatsApp messages and emails between Mandelson, No 10 officials and ministers.

United Kingdom, Gorton and Denton

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