Summary
Morgan McSweeney resigned as chief of staff to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. His departure followed scrutiny over his role in appointing Lord Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the US, despite controversy surrounding Mandelson's past associations. This has led to tension within the Labour Party, with calls for Starmer to resign.
Key Facts
- Morgan McSweeney quit as Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff amid controversy.
- The controversy involves Lord Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to the US.
- Mandelson had a known past association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
- Sir Keir Starmer fired Mandelson in September after emails linked him to Epstein.
- There are police investigations into Mandelson possibly leaking sensitive information.
- Some Labour MPs and a union leader have called for Starmer to resign.
- McSweeney admitted responsibility for advising Mandelson's appointment but did not oversee the vetting process.
- Deputies Jill Cuthbertson and Vidhya Alakeson have become acting chiefs of staff.
