Badenoch Launches Scathing Attack on Starmer Following Aide's Resignation
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has delivered a blistering critique of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, accusing him of attempting to deflect blame following the resignation of his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney. The departure comes in the wake of the escalating Peter Mandelson scandal, which has plunged the Labour government into its most severe crisis since taking office.
McSweeney Steps Down Over Mandelson Appointment
Morgan McSweeney, who served as one of Sir Keir's most trusted advisors for nearly six years, tendered his resignation today. His exit follows intense pressure over his role in advocating for the appointment of Lord Mandelson as Britain's ambassador to the United States. In a formal statement, Mr McSweeney conceded that recommending the disgraced peer for the prestigious Washington DC post was a grave error.
'I take full responsibility for advising the Prime Minister to proceed with this appointment,' Mr McSweeney declared. 'Given the circumstances, the only honourable course of action is to step aside.' His resignation marks a significant blow to Sir Keir's inner circle, removing a key architect of Labour's general election victory.
Badenoch Condemns Starmer's Leadership
In a fiery response, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch lambasted Sir Keir for what she characterised as a persistent refusal to accept accountability. 'It's about time. Once again with this PM it's somebody else's fault: "Mandelson lied to me" or "Morgan advised me",' she asserted. 'Keir Starmer must take responsibility for his own terrible decisions. But he never does.'
Badenoch's comments underscore the deepening political turmoil surrounding the Prime Minister, who is confronting the most challenging period of his eighteen-month premiership. The controversy has been fuelled by renewed revelations concerning Lord Mandelson's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, casting a long shadow over the government's credibility.
Starmer's Tribute Amid Mounting Pressure
Despite the escalating crisis, Sir Keir paid a heartfelt tribute to his departing aide on Sunday, acknowledging Mr McSweeney's pivotal role in revitalising the Labour Party. 'It has been an honour working with Morgan McSweeney for many years,' the Prime Minister stated. 'He turned our party around after one of its worst ever defeats and played a central role in running our election campaign.'
Sir Keir emphasised that Labour's landslide majority and the opportunity to transform the country were largely attributable to Mr McSweeney's 'dedication, loyalty and leadership.' He added, 'Our party and I owe him a debt of gratitude, and I thank him for his service.' However, these sentiments have done little to quell the unrest within Labour ranks.
Labour MPs Question Starmer's Future
Numerous Labour backbenchers have begun openly questioning Sir Keir's ability to remain in Downing Street as the scandal continues to engulf his administration. Several MPs had explicitly demanded Mr McSweeney's resignation, viewing him as a protégé of Lord Mandelson and expressing fury over the proposed ambassadorial appointment.
This development represents the second loss of a chief of staff during Sir Keir's tenure, following the contentious departure of Sue Gray in October 2024. The exit of Mr McSweeney, the mastermind behind the election triumph, further weakens the Prime Minister's already precarious hold on power. Speculation had previously suggested that Mr McSweeney would only leave Number Ten alongside Sir Keir himself, highlighting the profound closeness of their relationship.
Leadership Maneuvers Intensify
Political analysts interpret Mr McSweeney's resignation as a desperate attempt by Sir Keir to salvage his position, with Deputy Leader Angela Rayner reportedly engaged in leadership 'manoeuvres'. Other potential successors are also emerging, including:
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting
- Energy Secretary Ed Miliband
- Armed Forces Minister Al Carns
- Labour Deputy Leader Lucy Powell
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has added to the pressure, suggesting that Sir Keir 'won't be far behind' in departing Number Ten following the upcoming local elections in May. As the crisis deepens, the Prime Minister faces an increasingly formidable battle to maintain his authority and stabilise a government rocked by scandal and internal dissent.
