Morgan McSweeney, Keir Starmer’s former chief of staff, to be questioned by MPs
Summary
Morgan McSweeney, the former chief of staff to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will be questioned by a parliamentary committee about allegations that Downing Street pressured the civil service to approve Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to Washington. The issue stems from concerns over Mandelson’s close connections and the handling of his security vetting, causing political tension and ongoing investigations.Key Facts
- Morgan McSweeney will appear before the foreign affairs select committee next Tuesday.
- He is questioned about pressure from Downing Street on civil servants to approve Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington.
- It is unusual for former chiefs of staff to appear before parliamentary committees.
- Olly Robbins, a former top Foreign Office official, said No 10 created pressure that made it impossible to deny Mandelson clearance.
- McSweeney resigned in February, taking responsibility for advising on Mandelson’s appointment.
- The controversy is linked to Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
- Keir Starmer denied misleading parliament and said Robbins’ evidence cleared him.
- Cat Little, a senior Cabinet Office official, will also appear to provide her side of the story and has struggled to get full information from the Foreign Office.
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