Tim Allan, Keir Starmer’s director of communications, has resigned after only five months in the role. His departure came a day after the prime minister’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, also quit.
Allan said in a brief 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 resignations follow a furious row over the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington. Mandelson has faced questions over his ties to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed Allan’s resignation was voluntary, and declined to comment on whether the prime minister would resign, stating Starmer is “getting on with the job”.
Allan, a former deputy press secretary under Tony Blair and founder of PR agency Portland, returned to Downing Street in September. His appointment had been controversial due to some of Portland’s clients.
McSweeney’s departure, seen as the architect of Starmer’s rise, leaves the prime minister exposed as he faces upcoming electoral challenges. Starmer addressed staff, expressing regret over the Mandelson appointment and thanking McSweeney for his service.
