Starmer's Communications Chief Steps Down as No 10 Team Faces Overhaul
Sir Keir Starmer's head of communications, Tim Allan, has resigned from his position, stating he is stepping down to allow for the construction of a new No 10 team. This move comes just one day after the Prime Minister's top aide, Morgan McSweeney, also quit his job, intensifying the political turmoil surrounding the Labour leader's administration.
Resignations Follow Mandelson Appointment Controversy
These high-profile departures occur as Sir Keir Starmer battles for his political survival in the wake of the Lord Peter Mandelson scandal. Mr Allan, who served as the executive director of communications at Downing Street, announced his decision publicly, saying, "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."
Mr Allan, a former adviser to Sir Tony Blair's government, was appointed in September as part of Sir Keir's efforts to enhance communications across his administration. His resignation follows that of Mr McSweeney, whose exit has triggered a significant shake-up within the No 10 operation. In response, deputies Vidhya Alakeson and Jill Cuthbertson have been appointed as joint acting chiefs of staff.
Prime Minister Takes Responsibility Amid Tory Criticism
Ministers have insisted that Sir Keir is taking full responsibility for his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as ambassador to the United States. This move has drawn sharp criticism from the Conservative Party, who accuse the Prime Minister of allowing his former chief of staff to "carry the can" for the controversial appointment.
Sir Keir is expected to address a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party later, where he will confront growing anger over the peer's appointment. The controversy stems from revelations that Lord Mandelson maintained links with Jeffrey Epstein after the financier's conviction for child sex offences, a fact Sir Keir was aware of during the vetting process.
Key Allies Express Disappointment and Support
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, who collaborated closely with Mr McSweeney during the campaign that led to Labour's landslide victory in 2024, expressed his disappointment over the resignation. Mr McFadden told the Press Association, "Yes, I think he's done a lot for the Labour Party in the country."
Before Sir Keir's address to Labour MPs, Mr McFadden added, "I think he will acknowledge what's gone wrong. He'll take responsibility for the decision, but he'll say the Government still has a lot of important work to do, and he wants to lead that work, and I believe he deserves the support of the parliamentary party in doing that."
Pressure Mounts as Documents Set for Release
Labour veteran Baroness Smith dismissed reports that Sir Keir is considering resignation, asserting that he is "determined" to continue with his agenda for change. She told Times Radio, "The Prime Minister is taking responsibility. He took responsibility for the decision that was made about Peter Mandelson, although, to be clear here it was, of course, Peter Mandelson that in consistent lying and engagement with Jeffrey Epstein let down the party and the Government and the country."
The pressure on Sir Keir's premiership shows no signs of abating as the Government prepares for the lengthy process of releasing tens of thousands of emails, messages, and documents related to Lord Mandelson's appointment. Sir Keir believes these files will demonstrate that the former Labour grandee lied about the extent of his ties to the notorious paedophile during the vetting process.
Security Vetting Under Scrutiny
Sir Keir and Mr McSweeney have placed blame on the security services' vetting procedures for failing to disprove Lord Mandelson's claims that he barely knew Epstein. These claims were later dramatically debunked by disclosures in the so-called Epstein files. Officials have been instructed to examine this vetting process as a priority.
In addition to addressing the PLP, the Prime Minister is expected to speak to the women's Parliamentary Labour Party after Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday and make on-camera interventions this week, as he seeks to navigate the ongoing crisis and reaffirm his leadership amidst the fallout from the Mandelson scandal.
