On February 8, 2026, Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, stepped down, taking responsibility for advising the prime minister on the controversial appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States. McSweeney’s exit was followed shortly by the resignation of Tim Allan, executive director of communications, who said a “new Number 10 team” was needed to restore public confidence.
Mandelson appointment at centre of storm
The resignations stem from renewed fallout linked to Peter Mandelson’s past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, which resurfaced after the US Department of Justice released additional Epstein-related documents in late January 2026.
Mandelson, a senior Labour figure and former cabinet minister, has acknowledged maintaining contact with Epstein even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction in the United States. Media reports citing the newly released files allege that Mandelson may have shared market-sensitive or government-related information during the 2008–2009 financial crisis, when he served as UK business secretary.
UK police have confirmed they are reviewing new material to assess whether further investigation is required. No charges have been announced, and Mandelson has denied wrongdoing.
Starmer appointed Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington in late 2024, a decision that has drawn sustained criticism given Mandelson’s known Epstein links at the time. Mandelson was dismissed from the role in September 2025 following earlier revelations, but the latest document releases have reignited political and public scrutiny.
