Mandelson and McSweeney: a partnership forged on winning and crushing the Labour left
Summary
Peter Mandelson and Morgan McSweeney started their political careers in local London politics and later worked together to influence the Labour Party. McSweeney helped place Mandelson as US ambassador, a decision that caused controversy and ended McSweeney’s role as chief of staff to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.Key Facts
- Both Mandelson and McSweeney began in Lambeth council politics.
- Mandelson criticized the local Labour leadership in Lambeth during 1979 for causing financial problems.
- McSweeney helped retake Lambeth council from other parties by working with Steve Reed.
- Together, they founded Labour Together to oppose the left wing of the Labour Party.
- McSweeney played a key role in appointing Mandelson as US ambassador, breaking usual procedures.
- Their political views differed but they shared two goals: defeating the Labour left and winning elections.
- They stayed in close contact through phone calls, texts, and visits over several years.
- The Mandelson ambassador appointment upset Starmer and contributed to McSweeney losing his chief of staff job.
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