Morgan McSweeney has resigned from his position as Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, a decision made amid significant anger over his role in the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as the US ambassador. In his full resignation statement, McSweeney declared that after careful reflection, he felt compelled to step down from the government. He explicitly stated that the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong, asserting that it had damaged the Labour party, the country, and trust in politics itself. McSweeney took full responsibility for advising the Prime Minister on this appointment, emphasizing that in public life, responsibility must be owned when it matters most, not merely when convenient, making his resignation the only honorable course of action.

McSweeney reflected on his motivations, stating that despite much public commentary over the years, his goals had always been simple: to work towards electing and supporting a government focused on ordinary people and a better future for the country, a vision he believes only a Labour government can fulfill. He expressed pride in their collective achievements but acknowledged regret over the circumstances of his departure, reiterating his belief in stepping aside for the bigger cause when necessary.

Furthermore, McSweeney highlighted two crucial reflections: the paramount importance of remembering the women and girls whose lives were ruined by Jeffrey Epstein and whose voices were unheard for too long, and the urgent need for a fundamental overhaul of the due diligence and vetting process. While he did not oversee this process, he insisted it must be more than a mere gesture, serving as a safeguard for the future. He concluded by reaffirming his full support for the Prime Minister, commending Starmer's daily efforts to rebuild trust, restore standards, and serve the country, pledging his continued backing for this mission.

McSweeney’s departure marks the most significant shift in power at the heart of Keir Starmer’s operation since he took office. As the Prime Minister appoints two acting replacements for his closest aide, several key individuals are now vying for influence within the new No 10 operation. Vidhya Alakeson steps in as an Acting chief of staff, having previously earned recognition for leading Starmer’s outreach to the business community. With a background at the Resolution Foundation thinktank as deputy chief executive and experience as a policy adviser in the Treasury, Alakeson is praised for her work ethic and ability to collaborate with external groups, though some note her perceived lack of raw political skills compared to McSweeney.

Sharing the role of Acting chief of staff is Jill Cuthbertson, who primarily focuses on logistics and operations. Cuthbertson boasts a long history in Labour politics, including working in No 10 under Gordon Brown and contributing to Ed Miliband’s events team. She is regarded as a trusted pair of hands, known for her meticulously detailed logistical plans during the election campaign, which helped Starmer avoid the operational missteps that affected earlier campaigns.

Another prominent figure is Darren Jones, the Chief secretary to the prime minister, a newly created role within Starmer’s Downing Street team, established just five months prior. The Labour MP and former Treasury chief secretary was brought in to ensure the government delivered the Prime Minister’s priorities, with allies noting his role in mediating disagreements among ministers. Starmer’s high regard for Jones was evident when he initially attempted to have McSweeney report to Jones, a proposal McSweeney refused, marking what insiders view as the beginning of McSweeney's declining influence.

Amy Richards serves as Political director, a long-time advisor to Yvette Cooper, the foreign secretary, and a participant in Cooper's 2015 leadership campaign. She was brought into Downing Street in September to revamp communication with Labour MPs following the welfare rebellion. Loyal and low-key, Richards has successfully encouraged the Prime Minister to increase his engagement with the parliamentary party, leading to Starmer's more visible presence in the Commons and the MPs’ tea room, addressing concerns about his perceived distance from colleagues. Finally, Harvey Redgrave heads the No 10 policy unit.

A former Fulbright scholar and home affairs policy specialist, Redgrave previously spent seven years at the Tony Blair Institute and served as a senior adviser to Ed Miliband. His appointment in September as part of a shakeup was viewed by some on the left as a move by Starmer to expel remaining progressives from his inner team.