UK Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Resigns Amidst Fallout from Ambassador Appointment and Epstein Files
LONDON – Morgan McSweeney, Chief of Staff to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has resigned, taking full responsibility for advising the contentious appointment of Peter Mandelson as the British Ambassador to the United States. The departure on Sunday, February 8, 2026, marks a significant upheaval within Downing Street, following intensified scrutiny over Mandelson's past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and recent revelations from the 'Epstein files'. McSweeney stated that the decision to appoint Mandelson was "wrong" and had damaged the Labour Party, the country, and trust in politics itself.
The unexpected resignation throws a spotlight on the judgment of Prime Minister Starmer and his inner circle, as the Labour government grapples with the escalating political fallout from a diplomatic posting that has drawn severe criticism. This crisis, ignited by a stream of newly released documents connecting Mandelson to Epstein, has not only cost Starmer a key aide but also raised profound questions about transparency and accountability at the highest levels of British politics.
The Contested Appointment and Subsequent Dismissal
Peter Mandelson, a veteran Labour Party figure who previously held several ministerial positions, was appointed as the UK Ambassador to the United States in February 2025. The role is considered one of Britain's most crucial diplomatic posts, underscoring the perceived significance of the appointment at the time. However, Mandelson's tenure proved short-lived. By September 2025, he was dismissed from the ambassadorial role following earlier disclosures regarding his association with Jeffrey Epstein. This initial removal came amidst mounting pressure as information about the extent of his relationship with the convicted financier began to surface.
The latest wave of documents, released by the U.S. Justice Department as part of the broader 'Epstein files' investigation, contained fresh allegations that significantly deepened the scandal. These documents suggested that Mandelson, while serving as the UK's business secretary during the 2008 financial crisis, had shared market-sensitive government information with Epstein in 2009 and 2010. Further reports indicated that Mandelson and his husband may have received payments from Epstein, and that he continued his friendship with Epstein even after the latter's 2008 conviction for sex offenses, and had even expressed views that Epstein's conviction was "wrongful" and should be challenged.
Political Backlash and Calls for Accountability
The revelations have triggered a political storm, placing immense pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Critics from across the political spectrum have questioned Starmer's judgment in appointing Mandelson, arguing that the ambassador's links to Epstein were known prior to his nomination. Starmer has publicly expressed regret over the appointment, stating that Mandelson had "lied repeatedly" about the extent of his ties to Epstein. He added that if he had known then what he knows now, Mandelson "would never have been anywhere near government."
In an effort to address the crisis, Starmer's government has pledged to release its own emails and documentation related to Mandelson's appointment, asserting that these records will demonstrate that officials were misled. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police has initiated an investigation into Mandelson for alleged misconduct in public office, a development that saw properties linked to him in London and Wiltshire searched. Mandelson, 72, has not been arrested or charged, but the police investigation is described as complex, requiring "significant amounts of further evidence gathering and analysis."
The Broader Impact of the Epstein Files
The 'Epstein files' refer to a vast trove of documents released as part of U.S. legal proceedings connected to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sex offenses and died in prison in 2019. These documents have sent ripples across the Atlantic, impacting individuals in prominent positions in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The continued release of these files has systematically exposed various individuals and institutions, compelling a re-evaluation of past associations and decisions.
In the UK, the impact has extended beyond politics, previously affecting the monarchy with figures like Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, facing renewed calls for accountability following earlier disclosures. The unfolding scandal around Mandelson underscores the persistent and far-reaching consequences of Epstein's activities and the public demand for transparency from those in power regarding any past connections.
Mandelson's Further Resignations and Political Aftermath
In addition to his dismissal as ambassador, the deepening controversy led to Peter Mandelson's resignation from both the Labour Party and the House of Lords in February 2026. This marked a dramatic fall from grace for a figure who had been a significant force in British politics for decades, having previously resigned from ministerial roles in 1998 and 2001 under different controversies. His latest resignations were aimed at preventing "further embarrassment" to the party, according to reports.
The political landscape remains turbulent as the government navigates the fallout. The resignation of Morgan McSweeney, a long-time aide credited with masterminding Keir Starmer's path to Downing Street, represents a significant blow to the Prime Minister's operational core. The events have intensified calls from opposition parties for a full and independent investigation into the vetting process that led to Mandelson's ambassadorial appointment, as well as into the alleged leaking of confidential government information.
The resignation of Morgan McSweeney serves as a stark reminder of the enduring and unpredictable consequences of the 'Epstein files' and the heightened public expectation for ethical conduct from political leaders. As police investigations continue and the government prepares to release further documents, the full ramifications for the Starmer administration and the UK's diplomatic standing are yet to be fully realized. This ongoing saga highlights the critical importance of rigorous vetting, accountability, and the restoration of public trust in a political environment increasingly sensitive to past associations.
