Starmer’s ex-chief of staff says sorry over Mandelson appointment as UK leader faces more pressure
Keir Starmer's former chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, admitted to making a significant error in recommending Peter Mandelson for the role of British ambassador to the U.S. McSweeney expressed regret over the appointment, which has led to increased scrutiny of Starmer's leadership. The controversy has raised questions about the decision-making process within the Prime Minister's office and the implications for Starmer's political future.
- ▪Morgan McSweeney acknowledged a serious mistake in recommending Peter Mandelson for the ambassador position.
- ▪The House of Commons is considering an investigation into Starmer's actions regarding the appointment.
- ▪Mandelson's connections to Jeffrey Epstein have raised security concerns that were reportedly overlooked.
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The former chief of staff to U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged on Tuesday (April 28, 2026) that he made a “serious mistake” by recommending Peter Mandelson be made British ambassador to the United States, but denied pressuring officials to ignore security concerns.Morgan McSweeney told lawmakers on the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee that it had been “a serious error of judgment” to back Mr. Mandelson, whose ill-fated appointment has left Mr. Starmer fighting for his job.Opposition politicians secured a vote in the House of Commons later on Tuesday (April 28, 2026) on whether Mr. Starmer should be investigated by a parliamentary standards watchdog with the power to censure or suspend him. U.K.
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