Get the app →
BriefTea logoBriefTea

Every story in sixty words

Politics · 8 February 2026

Starmer chief of staff McSweeney resigns admitting Mandelson appointment error

Starmer chief of staff McSweeney resigns admitting Mandelson appointment error

Keir Starmer’s Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney resigned on February 8, 2026, admitting the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador was "wrong." This high-profile exit follows Mandelson’s September 2025 sacking over leaked emails linking him to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Senior minister Pat McFadden insisted leaders must take responsibility as Starmer loses his "right-hand man," intensifying pressure on the government ahead of the May 2026 elections.

By BriefTea Editorial ·

Reported by Sky News · How we write briefs

Get the app

More briefs

PoliticsBurnham to end indefinite jail terms by parliament's end PoliticsJames Cleverly steps down from the shadow cabinet to campaign for London mayor WorldIcelanders vote on restarting EU membership talks after 13 years PoliticsBurnham returns to parliament with budget, welfare, and cost of living challenges WorldFour EU countries advocate using Russia's frozen 210 billion euros for Ukraine PoliticsIreland will be united, says former PM Gordon Brown More politics stories → Browse all stories →