Politics · 9 February 2026

Starmer’s Leadership on the Line After Chief of Staff Resigns Amid Diplomatic Scandal

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing a political crisis after his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned over his role in advising Starmer to appoint Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US—a choice that sparked outrage due to Mandelson’s documented links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The move has triggered growing calls for Starmer to answer for his judgment, with pressure mounting from MPs and political opponents.

By BriefTea Editorial · 9 February 2026 at 5:59

Reported by Reuters · 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 →