Tim Allan, Keir Starmer's director of communications, has stepped down after only five months in the role, following the resignation of chief of staff Morgan McSweeney. Allan's departure marks the end of the Blairite influence in Downing Street, as both were key figures from Tony Blair's era.
Allan said in a statement: 'I have decided to stand down to allow a new No 10 team to be built. I wish the PM and his team every success.' A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed it was Allan's own decision to resign.
The resignations come amid a row over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, due to his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer addressed staff, expressing regret over the Mandelson decision and thanking McSweeney for his service, saying: 'We changed the Labour party together. We won a general election together.'
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Starmer, accusing him of letting McSweeney 'carry the can' for his own decision. Senior Labour sources say McSweeney's departure leaves Starmer exposed ahead of electoral challenges, including the Gorton and Denton byelection.
Starmer insisted his government could 'go forward from here' and focus on delivering change on cost of living, child poverty, and the NHS.
