Tim Allan, Keir Starmer's director of communications, has resigned after only five months in the role, following the departure of the prime minister's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney. 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.'
The resignation comes amid a fierce row over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, despite his ties to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer addressed Downing Street staff on Monday, reiterating his regret over the decision and insisting his government could 'go forward from here.'
A Downing Street spokesperson said Allan's decision to stand down was his own, and when asked if the prime minister would resign, replied: 'No.' The spokesperson added that Starmer is 'concentrating on the job in hand' and 'getting on with delivering change.'
Allan, a former deputy press secretary to Tony Blair and founder of PR agency Portland, returned to Downing Street in September as part of a shake-up. He replaced James Lyons, who had held the role for a year. His appointment had been controversial due to some of Portland's clients.
The loss of two senior staff in less than 24 hours has intensified the sense of turmoil in Starmer's operation. McSweeney resigned on Sunday, taking 'full responsibility' for advising the Mandelson appointment. Senior Labour sources said McSweeney's departure leaves Starmer 'dangerously exposed' ahead of key policy challenges and a by-election later this month.
