Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, is facing intensified scrutiny following revelations of a memo that cautioned against the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the United States. The memo, penned by Labour peer Lord Maurice Glasman, was sent during his visit to Washington D.C. for Donald Trump’s inauguration and has raised questions about McSweeney’s judgement and influence within the Labour Party.
Warning Signs from Washington
The controversial memo, disclosed by The Telegraph, warns McSweeney that Mandelson is “the wrong man at the wrong time in the wrong place.” Glasman, a prominent figure in the Blue Labour movement, highlighted that many individuals he encountered in Washington viewed Mandelson’s potential appointment as a provocative move. He proposed that Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, would be a more suitable candidate for the ambassadorship, suggesting that Farage could help neutralise tensions given his established rapport with Trump.
Glasman noted, “Do not make another appointment until you have clarified your strategy. The obvious person is Farage if you can find it in yourselves to be so bold.” He further recommended that the outgoing ambassador, Dame Karen Pierce, should remain in her position, citing her effective engagement with the incoming Trump administration.
Mandelson’s Troubling Ties
Mandelson’s candidacy for the ambassadorship was already controversial due to his previous connections to the convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein. Despite these concerns, McSweeney reportedly urged Starmer against dismissing Mandelson, who was ultimately relieved of his duties in September 2025 as details of his links to Epstein resurfaced. The Trump administration had expressed reservations about Mandelson’s ties to China and his association with Epstein, especially in the context of Trump’s pledge to release Epstein-related documents.
Starmer acknowledged last week that his team was aware of Mandelson’s ongoing relationship with Epstein even after the financier’s imprisonment. In response to the mounting controversy, Mandelson has previously apologised for his ties to Epstein, expressing regret for the impact of his actions on victims.
Internal and External Pressures
Calls for McSweeney’s resignation are gaining traction among Labour MPs and ministers, who are increasingly critical of his role in Mandelson’s appointment. The memo from Glasman serves as further evidence of dissent within the party regarding both McSweeney’s decisions and Starmer’s leadership. As Labour grapples with the fallout, the internal discord raises questions about the party’s strategy in navigating delicate diplomatic appointments.
Why it Matters
This situation underscores the complexities faced by Labour as it seeks to reclaim its position in British politics. The controversy not only threatens McSweeney’s role but also highlights broader concerns regarding the party’s leadership and strategic direction. With the opposition under scrutiny, how Starmer navigates this issue could significantly impact Labour’s credibility and prospects in forthcoming elections. As the party moves forward, it must address these challenges to maintain unity and public trust.
