Feb 9, 2026, 3:45 p.mFeb 9, 2026, 3:45 p.m
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has to accept the next setback in the scandal surrounding the Epstein contacts of the former British ambassador to the USA, Peter Mandelson.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer.Image: AP
Downing Street communications chief Tim Allan announced he would be stepping down from his post. This means that the second employee from Starmer’s inner circle is resigning within just 24 hours.
“I have decided to step down to allow the development of a new team at No. 10 Downing Street,” Allan said in a statement, according to several media reports.
Starmer’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney announced his resignation on Sunday. In a statement published by several media outlets, he took “full responsibility” for advising the head of government to appoint Mandelson. “The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong.”
Morgan McSweeney also resigned. Image: www.imago-images.de
Crisis for Starmer comes to a head
The most recent publications in the Jeffrey Epstein case show close contacts between Mandelson and the sex offender. In his previous role as economics minister, the Brit is said to have passed on sensitive information to the US businessman during the financial crisis. Only a year ago, Starmer appointed Mandelson as ambassador to the USA, which is why the case has also put the Prime Minister in great distress.
McSweeney’s withdrawal has not silenced calls for Starmer to resign, including from within his own ranks. Starmer wants to speak to MPs from his own group later on Monday. (sda/dpa)