Starmer's chief of staff resigns after Mandelson appointment scandal

Morgan McSweeney, chief of staff to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has announced his resignation amid the growing crisis surrounding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States.

McSweeney admitted that he recommended Mandelson's nomination to Starmer and took full responsibility for it.

The decision came after the publication of new documents pointing to Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and possible abuse of public office. The affair reopened old wounds in the Labour Party and prompted a police investigation.

McSweeney, who was one of the key strategists behind Starmer's rise to power, was under intense pressure from his own party colleagues.

(reuters, mja)