Morgan McSweeney quits: Resignation statement of Starmer’s chief of staff in full

Morgan McSweeney has resigned as Keir Starmer’s Downing Street chief of staff over his role in the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.

Mr McSweeney pushed for Lord Mandelson to be appointed as US ambassador, and his position became increasingly untenable as pressure mounted on Starmer over the scandal; Emails were subsequently released highlighting the extent of Mandelson’s connections to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

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McSweeney resigned, saying he took “full responsibility” for advising Starmer on his appointment of Mandelson. workforcecountry and politics itself, and said it was an “honorable path” for him.

Below is Mr McSweeney’s full resignation letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer:

“After careful consideration, I have decided to resign from the government.

The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. It damaged the trust in our party, our country, and politics.

When asked, I recommended that the Prime Minister make this appointment and I take full responsibility for that recommendation.

Responsibility in public life should be embraced not only when it is most convenient, but when it is most important. The only honorable action under these circumstances would be to step aside.

This was not an easy decision. Much has been written and said about me over the years, but my motivations have always been simple: I have worked every day to elect and support a government that prioritizes the lives of ordinary people and guides us to a better future for our great country.

Only a Labor government can do this.

I leave with a mixture of regret for the circumstances of my departure and pride in everything we have accomplished.

But I have always believed that there are moments when you have to accept your responsibility and step aside for a greater purpose. I have two more thoughts as I leave:

First and foremost, we need to remember the women and girls whose lives were destroyed by Jeffrey Epstein and whose voices went unheard for too long.

Second, although I have not overseen the due diligence and review process, I believe it now needs to be fundamentally overhauled. This is not just a gesture, it is an assurance for the future.

I continue to fully support the Prime Minister. He works every day to rebuild trust, restore standards, and serve the country. I will continue to support this mission as much as I can. It has been the honor of my life to serve.”