The chief of staff to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Morgan McSweeney, resigned on Sunday amid a scandal surrounding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States, despite Mandelson’s links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
A Resignation and Its Fallout
Morgan McSweeney stated he took responsibility for advising Starmer to appoint Mandelson, 72, to the most important diplomatic post for Britain in 2024. “The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself,” McSweeney said in a statement. “When asked, I advised the Prime Minister to build that appointment and I grab full responsibility for that advice.”
Starmer is facing political turmoil and questions about his judgment following the release of new documents, part of a large set of Epstein files made public in the United States. These documents suggest Mandelson shared sensitive market information with Epstein when he was a UK government business secretary during the 2008 financial crisis.
The Starmer government has promised to publish its own emails and documentation related to Mandelson’s appointment, which reportedly will show that he misled authorities.
Mandelson, a former cabinet minister, ambassador, and veteran figure in the ruling Labour Party, has not been arrested or charged. Starmer apologized this week for “believing the lies” of Mandelson, stating that “none of us knew the depth of the darkness” of the relationship between Epstein and Mandelson when he was considered for the diplomatic post.
Although, several lawmakers are already calling for Starmer’s resignation.
Police officers from the Metropolitan Police searched Mandelson’s London home and another property linked to him on Friday. Police stated the investigation is complex and will require “a significant amount of further evidence gathering and analysis.” The UK police investigation is focused on potential misconduct in public office, and Mandelson has not been accused of any sexual offenses.
Starmer dismissed Mandelson from his ambassadorial post in September due to previous revelations about his links to Epstein. However, critics argue that recently published emails from the U.S. Department of Justice have raised serious concerns about Starmer’s judgment in appointing Mandelson in the first place.
New revelations include documents suggesting Mandelson shared government sensitive information with Epstein following the 2008 global financial crisis. Records also show payments totaling $75,000 in 2003 and 2004 from Epstein to accounts linked to Mandelson or his husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Morgan McSweeney’s resignation?
Morgan McSweeney resigned as Keir Starmer’s chief of staff due to his role in advising the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the United States, despite Mandelson’s known links to Jeffrey Epstein.
What new information has surfaced regarding Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein?
Newly released documents suggest that Peter Mandelson shared sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein after the 2008 financial crisis, and records show payments from Epstein to accounts linked to Mandelson or his husband totaling $75,000 in 2003 and 2004.
Is Peter Mandelson facing any criminal charges?
No, Peter Mandelson has not been arrested or charged with any crimes, but police are investigating potential misconduct in public office.
Given the ongoing investigation and calls for the Prime Minister’s resignation, what impact might this scandal have on the future of the Labour Party?
