Morgan McSweeney, chief of staff to U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has resigned following criticism over his role in promoting Peter Mandelson, a Labour Party veteran linked to convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein.
In a statement on Sunday, McSweeney said he takes “full responsibility” for advising Starmer to appoint Mandelson as ambassador to the U.S. He added that stepping aside was “the only honourable course” and said Mandelson “has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself.”
Mandelson’s ties to Epstein became widely known after the release of Epstein’s “birthday book” and related emails in 2025. The documents suggested Mandelson may have shared market-sensitive information with Epstein, including news of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s 2010 resignation plans. Starmer dismissed Mandelson last September following these revelations.
The resignation comes as Mandelson faces ongoing scrutiny. U.K. police recently searched two of his properties in an investigation into possible misconduct in public office. The inquiry is still active.
Mandelson, a former member of Parliament who served under Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, has expressed regret over his association with Epstein. He said he “regret[s] ever meeting him” and lamented the harm caused to victims, but declined to discuss the matter further.
McSweeney, often seen as Mandelson’s protégé in the media, faced mounting pressure after the Justice Department released additional emails linking Mandelson to Epstein. His resignation is seen as a move to restore trust within the Labour Party.
The controversy highlights ongoing fallout from the Epstein files, which have revealed connections between the financier and multiple high-profile political figures worldwide.
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