Starmer’s Communications Chief Resigns Amid Fallout From Mandelson-Epstein Scandal

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Michael D. ShearFebruary 9, 2026 at 03:48 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Keir Starmer, Britain's Prime Minister, is facing a political crisis as his director of communications, Tim Allan, resigned on Monday. This follows the resignation of Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, less than 24 hours prior. McSweeney resigned after advocating for the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the U.S., due to Mandelson's previously undisclosed close ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Allan, a friend and former colleague of Mandelson, cited the need for a new team as his reason for stepping down. The controversy stems from released documents revealing a closer relationship between Mandelson and Epstein, including the sharing of confidential information. Critics are questioning Starmer's awareness of the relationship when he appointed Mandelson.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

10 Downing Street 30% United States Justice Department 35% United States 35% Tony Blair 40% Gordon Brown 40% Morgan McSweeney ×260% Britain ×270% Jeffrey Epstein ×575% Tim Allan ×480% Peter Mandelson ×785% Keir Starmer ×1090%

Keywords

political crisis 90% keir starmer 80% resignation 80% jeffrey epstein 70% peter mandelson 70% communications director 60% ties to epstein 50% government scandal 50% political leadership 50%

Sentiment Analysis

Very Negative

Score: -0.60

Source Transparency

Source

New York Times - World

Political Lean

Center-Left (-0.30)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Britain

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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political crisis keir starmer resignation jeffrey epstein peter mandelson communications director ties to epstein government scandal political leadership

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