Morgan McSweeney stepped down on Sunday from his position as chief of staff to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, resigning amid growing criticism over his involvement in the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States.
In his resignation statement, McSweeney described the decision to appoint Mandelson as “wrong” and took complete responsibility for having recommended him, stating that stepping down was the “only honourable course” given the situation.
“He [Mandelson] has damaged our country and trust in politics itself,” the former chief of staff wrote, adding that the decision to resign was not an easy one.
McSweeney said the controversy had eroded public trust and called for a complete overhaul of the government’s vetting and due diligence procedures, while reaffirming his ongoing support for Starmer and the Labour government’s agenda.
Emails and documents released by the Justice Department in January reveal that Mandelson remained in contact with Jeffrey Epstein following his 2008 conviction on two felony counts of soliciting prostitution, one involving a minor.
Newly surfaced documents indicate Mandelson may have passed sensitive government information to Epstein in the period following the 2008 global financial crisis.
The outlet also cited documents and evidence showing that Epstein transferred a total of $75,000 in 2003 and 2004 to accounts linked to Mandelson or his husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva.
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty told the House of Commons on Sept. 11 that Starmer had asked him to withdraw Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States after emails revealed Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein was “materially different” from what had been known at the time of his appointment.
“Specifically, Lord Mandelson’s suggestion that Jeffrey Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged represents new information,” Doughty stated. “In light of that, and being mindful as we all are of the victims of Epstein’s appalling crimes, Lord Mandelson has been withdrawn as ambassador with immediate effect.”
Mandelson stepped down from the Labour Party on February 1.