A Guide to High-Profile Exits Under Keir Starmer's Two-Year Tenure
Keir Starmer's tenure as UK Prime Minister, spanning two years, has been marked by a steady succession of departures among ministers and senior officials. The latest exit is Olly Robbins, the top civil servant at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), who was forced out in 2026. This article provides an in-depth look at some of the most notable resignations under Starmer's leadership, highlighting the political and ethical challenges faced by his government.
Officials Who Stepped Down
Sue Gray, who became a household name for investigating the Partygate scandal under Boris Johnson, served as Starmer's chief of staff from July to October 2024. Her resignation came amid a political storm, with some Labour figures blaming her for the party's inability to avoid the so-called freebies scandal. Critics claimed she lacked political experience, despite her deep knowledge of the civil service. A leaked salary revealed she was paid £3,000 more than the prime minister, sparking backlash among advisers. Additionally, she was blamed for lower pay for special advisers compared to Conservative-era aides, leading many to join a union.
Morgan McSweeney took over as chief of staff from October 2024 to February 2026, following Gray's departure. He resigned amid anger over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, a decision that became untenable after emails revealed Mandelson's continuing relationship with convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. McSweeney took full responsibility for advising Starmer on the appointment.
Chris Wormald, cabinet secretary and head of the civil service from 2024 to 2026, was effectively forced out by Starmer in February 2026 due to the Mandelson-Epstein scandal. He stepped down by mutual consent after losing the prime minister's confidence over the approval process for Mandelson's role and for not driving civil service reform proactively enough.
Olly Robbins, permanent secretary at the FCDO from 2025 to 2026 and former chief Brexit negotiator, was forced out in 2026 after his department overruled a decision to fail Peter Mandelson during security vetting. Robbins was told to resign after Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper lost confidence in him.
Ministers Who Resigned
Angela Rayner, deputy prime minister from July 2024 to September 2025 and MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, resigned after the prime minister's ethics adviser found she breached the ministerial code over underpayment of stamp duty on her £800,000 seaside flat. Although Laurie Magnus noted her integrity, the breach was damaging for Starmer, who initially stood by her, bruising his authority.
Josh Simons, a Cabinet Office minister from September 2025 to February 2026 and MP for Makerfield, resigned after the Guardian revealed he falsely linked reporters to a pro-Kremlin network in emails to GCHQ. He had claimed surprise about a PR firm's investigation into their journalism, and his position became a distraction from government work.
Tulip Siddiq, economic secretary to the Treasury from July 2024 to January 2025 and MP for Hampstead and Highgate, resigned amid a furore over her close ties to her aunt, the ousted prime minister of Bangladesh accused of corruption. An investigation found no rule breaches, but in December 2025, a Bangladeshi court sentenced her in absentia to two years for complicity in corrupt land deals. The UK does not have an extradition treaty with Bangladesh, and Siddiq denies the charges, claiming evidence was forged.
Louise Haigh, transport secretary from July to November 2024 and MP for Sheffield Heeley, resigned 12 hours after it emerged she had been convicted of fraud over a missing work phone in 2014. She pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation, and her departure was aimed at avoiding distraction from government work.
These exits underscore the turbulent nature of Starmer's premiership, with resignations driven by scandals, ethical breaches, and political pressures. The pattern highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining stability and trust within the Labour government.
