Starmer's Leadership in Peril as Top Aide Resigns Over Mandelson Appointment
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's premiership was plunged into turmoil on Sunday after his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney resigned over the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. McSweeney, widely regarded as Starmer's right-hand man and the architect of his rise to power, stepped down taking full responsibility for advising the Prime Minister to appoint Mandelson, despite being aware of the peer's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
McSweeney's Departure Sends Shockwaves Through Labour
In his resignation statement, McSweeney declared: "The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself." The chief of staff emphasized that while he did not oversee the vetting process, he believed the system required fundamental overhaul to prevent future scandals. McSweeney's departure marks the second chief of staff to leave during Starmer's turbulent tenure, following Sue Gray's dismissal shortly after the 2024 election.
Labour MPs Call for Starmer's Resignation
Left-wing Labour MPs have intensified calls for Starmer to resign, with former campaigns chief Jon Trickett declaring: "The buck stops at the top." Brian Leishman, MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, argued that political direction must change from the very top, suggesting the Prime Minister should "follow McSweeney's lead one last time, and resign for the good of the country and the Labour Party." Liverpool MP Kim Johnson described Starmer's position as "untenable," while York MP Rachael Maskell characterized McSweeney's resignation as merely "a start."
Leadership Rivals Position Themselves
With Starmer's authority weakened, potential leadership contenders have begun maneuvering for position. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has revealed he advised against Mandelson's appointment, while allies of Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Deputy Leader Angela Rayner have engaged in preliminary skirmishes. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is being discussed as a potential "king-maker" in any contest, with some suggesting he might even enter the race himself despite his previous electoral defeat.
Starmer's Allies Warn Against Leadership Change
Supporters of the Prime Minister have cautioned that forcing him out just eighteen months after Labour's landslide victory could create chaos. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden warned that removing Starmer would cause "economic, political and reputational uncertainty around the world." Meanwhile, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch welcomed McSweeney's resignation but insisted Starmer must ultimately "take responsibility for his own terrible decisions."
Potential Scenarios for Starmer's Departure
Several mechanisms could potentially force Starmer from office:
- Formal Challenge: If 20% of Labour MPs (approximately 80 members) nominate a single candidate, a leadership contest would be triggered with Starmer automatically on the ballot.
- Voluntary Resignation: The Prime Minister could choose to step down voluntarily, though allies describe him as exceptionally resilient.
- Ministerial Resignations: Coordinated resignations by cabinet ministers could destabilize the government and pressure Starmer to depart.
- Informal Pressure: Senior MPs could attempt to convince Starmer his time has ended, though he could potentially ignore such warnings.
Immediate Aftermath and Future Implications
McSweeney's deputies Jill Cuthbertson and Vidhya Alakeson will serve as joint acting chiefs of staff temporarily. Friends of McSweeney have likened his departure to "breaking the legs of your star striker," questioning whether Starmer can survive without his key strategist. The Prime Minister is preparing an emergency address to the nation aimed at reassuring the public and financial markets while outlining plans to restore political integrity. As the Labour Party faces its most significant crisis since taking power, the coming days will determine whether Starmer can stabilize his premiership or whether the party will descend into leadership turmoil.
