UK PM’s top aide quits over Mandelson’s links to Epstein

Al JazeeraEN 3 min read 100% complete by By News AgenciesFebruary 8, 2026 at 06:11 PM

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned following the fallout from Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the United States. McSweeney took responsibility for advising Starmer to appoint Mandelson after newly released files revealed the extent of Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The resignation occurred after Labour members of parliament called for McSweeney's removal, blaming him for the damage caused by the appointment and subsequent revelations. Mandelson was previously sacked by Starmer in September and resigned from the Labour Party and House of Lords last week. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is reviewing an exit payment made to Mandelson after his dismissal.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Sunday Times 30% US Department of Justice 35% Foreign and Commonwealth Office 35% House of Lords 40% United States 40% UK Parliament 40% Downing Street 50% Labour Party ×370% Keir Starmer ×375% Morgan McSweeney ×685% Jeffrey Epstein ×690% Peter Mandelson ×1095%

Keywords

peter mandelson 100% jeffrey epstein 90% morgan mcsweeney 80% political resignation 80% keir starmer 70% political scandal 70% labour party 60% uk politics 60% chief of staff 60% ambassador appointment 50%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.40

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Source

Al Jazeera

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90%

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peter mandelson jeffrey epstein morgan mcsweeney political resignation keir starmer political scandal labour party uk politics chief of staff ambassador appointment

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