Morgan McSweeney, the Chief of Staff at Downing Street, made his way into the bustling streets of London on a crisp October morning in 2025. He had been the mastermind behind Sir Keir Starmer's successful rise to power as the Labour leader and Prime Minister. However, his time at the top had come to an unexpected end as he resigned from his position at Downing Street.
This sudden departure was a result of the controversy surrounding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the US. The decision had caused a stir when it was initially made in December 2024, and the recent release of the Epstein files had only reignited the backlash. It was believed that Lord Mandelson had been a mentor to McSweeney, and he had been the driving force behind the appointment.
Unfortunately, the choice had turned out to be a disaster. Mandelson, who had been a prominent figure in the Labour Party for over four decades, had only lasted seven months in the role. He was ultimately fired in September when documents revealed his close friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This scandal not only cost Mandelson his job but also his seat in the House of Lords and his membership in the Labour Party. It had also caused significant damage to Sir Keir Starmer's already fragile leadership.
As some Labour MPs called for the Prime Minister to step down, McSweeney took responsibility for the decision and resigned from the government. However, it remained to be seen if this move would be enough to save the Prime Minister's position. In his statement, McSweeney acknowledged his mistake in advising the appointment of Mandelson, stating that it had caused harm to the party, the country, and the trust in politics itself.
At 48 years old, McSweeney was considered to be the most powerful and influential figure behind the scenes in the Labour Party. His close relationship with Mandelson had begun in 2017 when he had set up a think tank that advocated for the removal of Jeremy Corbyn supporters from the party. Mandelson had played a significant role in helping McSweeney pave the way for Labour's landslide victory in the 2024 election.
According to reports, Mandelson was a frequent visitor to McSweeney's home in Scotland and had even provided advice for last year's Cabinet reshuffle. He had spoken highly of the strategist, saying that whoever had invented him would find a place in heaven. Meanwhile, McSweeney had also played a crucial role in Sir Keir Starmer's victory in the 2020 Labour leadership contest and had remained a top adviser after he became the Prime Minister.
McSweeney's immense power and influence had made him a target of criticism from left-leaning MPs. But with his resignation, questions now arise about the future of Downing Street under Sir Keir Starmer's leadership. One thing is for sure, without McSweeney's guidance and support, the dynamics of the Prime Minister's office are bound to change.
