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Morgan McSweeney has been widely recognized as a key architect behind Sir Keir Starmer’s political advancement. However, his recent resignation as chief of staff leaves open questions about the stability of the prime minister’s position. McSweeney stepped down amid intense scrutiny from Labour MPs and peers who demanded accountability over the contentious appointment of Peter Mandelson to the role of UK ambassador to the United States.
The controversy surrounding Mandelson’s appointment escalated after his dismissal last September, particularly following the release of documents shedding light on his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This revelation intensified criticism of the vetting process and sparked inquiries into how much the prime minister was aware before approving Mandelson’s role. Sir Keir addressed the issue publicly last week, expressing regret and emphasizing that “none of us knew the depths and the darkness” of Mandelson’s association with Epstein.
In his resignation announcement, McSweeney accepted full responsibility for advising Sir Keir on the contentious ambassadorial appointment, stating plainly, “The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong.” Despite this fallout, Sir Keir praised McSweeney’s contributions by calling him an honor to work with and acknowledging his vital role in revitalizing the Labour Party after significant losses, as well as steering the 2024 election campaign. McSweeney’s influence largely stemmed from his strategic acumen, having masterminded Labour’s decisive 2024 general election triumph and Starmer’s successful 2020 leadership bid.
McSweeney’s career trajectory reflects a persistent focus on political strategy and party management. Born in Macroom, County Cork, he moved to London as a teenager and eventually graduated with a degree in politics and marketing from Middlesex University after a brief period living in an Israeli kibbutz. Early in his career, he worked under Tony Blair’s Labour Party and later supported Steve Reed in Lambeth, contributing to restoring party control in the local council. Although not all of his campaigns succeeded—such as Elizabeth Kendall’s poor performance in the 2015 Labour leadership race under his management—McSweeney’s reputation as a political fixer solidified over time. His tenure includes directing Labour Together, a think tank opposing Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership style, and coordinating Starmer’s strategy to reform the party and reclaim power, culminating in a historic electoral success where Labour captured over 200 seats
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