British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer lost two senior aides within 24 hours, as scrutiny mounts over his decision to appoint Lord Peter Mandelson, a former Labour power broker with longstanding ties to Jeffrey Epstein, as ambassador to the United States.
Communications director Tim Allan quit Monday, hours after chief of staff Morgan McSweeney stepped down. McSweeney accepted “full responsibility” for advising Starmer to appoint Mandelson, despite his ties to Epstein. Newly released DOJ documents suggest Mandelson shared confidential government information with Epstein during the 2008 financial crisis and received roughly $75,000 from him, calling Epstein his “best pal.” Starmer admitted he knew Mandelson maintained ties after Epstein’s conviction.
The departures strip Starmer of key allies who managed Downing Street operations and helped consolidate his power. The controversy has triggered calls from opposition lawmakers and public figures for Starmer to step down, with critics saying his leadership has been undermined by poor judgment.
Starmer is reportedly set to meet Labour lawmakers Monday to secure support, warning that his removal could benefit Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party ahead of May’s local elections.
