British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Chief of Staff Resigns Over Controversial Ambassador Appointment

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned on Sunday aspressure intensified over Starmer's decision to appoint Peter Mandelsonas Britain's ambassador to the United States. The departure deepened a political crisis for Starmer after newly published US documents raised questions about Mandelson's past relationship with the late convicted sex offenderJeffrey Epstein. McSweeney, Starmer's closest adviser, said he took responsibility for recommending Mandelson's appointment. "The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong," McSweeney said in a statement. "He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself," McSweeney said. "When asked, I advised the Prime Minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice." Mandelson was sacked last Septemberover his relationship with Epstein. However, the controversy escalated after documents released in the United States suggested Mandelson shared market-sensitive information with Epstein. The documents formed part of a larger trove of files made public in the US. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser thatsupports HTML5 video The material raised questions about Mandelson's conduct at the time, when he was serving as Britain's business secretary during the 2008 financial crisis. Starmer faced mounting criticism — and suggestions that he should also step down — over his judgment in sending Mandelson to Washington in 2024. The 48-year-old Irish strategist has been keeping a low profile but is being described by some as "the most powerful man in politics" after playing a key role in Starmer's decisive election victory in July 2024. He was credited with helping steer Labour toward a more centrist agenda after the left-wing tenure of former leader Jeremy Corbyn. McSweeney was said to have been close to Mandelson. Mandelson was an influential figure in British politics and the Labour Party for decades. He was central to Labour's shift toward the political center in the 1990s, in a similar way to McSweeney,helping former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair modernize the partyand win the 1997 landslide election. The now 72-year-old was long dubbed the "Prince of Darkness," a term widely used to describe his reputation as a highly skilled, behind-the-scenes political operator. However, he proved to be a divisive and controversial figure, and was ​forced out of government twice under Blair over allegations of misconduct. McSweeney's resignation came as the Foreign Office said it was reviewing an exit payment to Mandelson, who was sacked over renewed scrutiny of the nature of his contacts with Epstein. Mandelson received an estimated payout of up to £55,000 (€64,000, $74,000) after only seven months in the job. He now faces a police investigation over potential misconduct in public office. Mandelson is not accused of any sexual offenses.