Starmer Promotes Two After Top Aide Quits Over Mandelson Epstein Scandal
Sir Keir Starmer moves swiftly to steady the ship after his top aide, Morgan McSweeney, resigned amid the explosive Lord Mandelson scandal. The chief of staff quit, accepting full blame for backing Mandelson’s controversial appointment as US ambassador despite ties to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Two Trusted Deputies Step Up as Acting Chiefs of Staff
Jill Cuthbertson and Vidhya Alakeson, both long-time members of Starmer’s inner circle, were promoted immediately on Friday to joint acting chiefs of staff. Cuthbertson previously managed the Prime Minister’s private office, while Alakeson served as Labour’s Director of External Relations.
Their task is clear: overhaul vetting processes and manage Number 10 during one of the most turbulent and politically perilous periods of Starmer’s premiership.
McSweeney’s Resignation Sends Shockwaves Through Westminster
McSweeney stepped down following police raids on Mandelson’s Camden and Wiltshire homes amid an investigation into alleged misconduct. He took full responsibility for advising Starmer to appoint Mandelson, saying:
“The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself… In public life, responsibility must be owned when it matters most.”
The move fails to silence critics questioning Starmer’s own judgment. Pressure inside Labour and beyond continues to mount, with rivals claiming the PM dodges accountability.
Opposition Leaders Pile On as Crisis Deepens
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch: “It’s about time. Starmer always blames others. He must take responsibility for his terrible decisions.”
- Reform UK’s Nigel Farage: “Labour is chaos. Starmer won’t be far behind McSweeney after the elections.”
- Green Party’s Zack Polanski: “McSweeney’s resignation is necessary but not enough. Starmer knew and still appointed Mandelson. He must go.”
- Liberal Democrat Daisy Cooper: “The buck stops with the PM. We demand answers and justice for Epstein’s victims.”
Starmer Praises McSweeney But Faces Growing Pressure
Starmer thanked McSweeney for his “dedication, loyalty and leadership,” highlighting his role in Labour’s comeback. Yet the PM is under intense scrutiny over vetting failures and Mandelson’s ongoing investigation.
The scandal deepened after files from the US Department of Justice linked Mandelson to leaked market-sensitive documents during the 2008 financial crisis, raising fresh questions about Number 10’s judgment and security procedures.
New Chiefs Face Tough Task to Restore Trust
With Cuthbertson and Alakeson now in charge, Number 10 vows to overhaul its vetting system and repair public confidence. They must shield Starmer from further fallout while tackling a party and country shaken by scandal.
