In Britain, Morgan McSweeney has resigned as chief of staff to Prime Minister Keir Starmer amid allegations that he was responsible for the appointment of Peter Mandelson to the position of ambassador to the United States, Sky News reported Sunday.
Mandelson, 72, was appointed ambassador to Washington in early 2025. Starmer later dismissed him after just seven months in the post amid fallout from an earlier release of Epstein-related files.
Mandelson’s name has reappeared in media coverage of the latest disclosures. British police have opened a criminal investigation into him over alleged misconduct in public office, including questions related to the handling of sensitive information.
“The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong,” McSweeney said in a resignation letter published by local media. “He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself. When asked, I advised the prime minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice.”
Starmer on Thursday also apologized for his previous decision to appoint Mandelson as the ambassador, saying that he had underestimated the seriousness of Mandelson’s past association with Epstein.