Sir Keir Starmer is not resigning as prime minister and will be “concentrating on the job in hand”, Downing Street has said, as the fallout from the Lord Mandelson scandal continued into Monday with the quitting of another key figure at No 10.
At lunchtime on Monday, the prime minister’s official spokesman said Sir Keir’s mood this morning was “upbeat” and “confident” despite the stepping down of Downing Street communications chief Tim Allen just hours before.
The decision by Mr Allen, who said he wanted to allow a new no 10 team to be built, followed the resignation of chief of staff Morgan McSweeney on Sunday over his role in the appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador.
The departures come amid growing pressure on Sir Keir, who is battling to save his career while facing severe criticism over his judgement and handling of the Lord Mandelson scandal.
Asked about reports going into the weekend that Sir Keir had been remorseful and wavering over his political future, the prime minister’s official spokesman said: “That is not the prime minister who appeared in front of staff this morning. It is very clear that he remains determined to tackle the job in hand.”
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Mandelson’s US ambassador payoff ‘to be reviewed by government’
A surprise candidate to replace Starmer could neutralise Farage’s voter appeal
Key Points
- Sir Keir is not resigning, says Downing Street
- Starmer addresses staff in Number 10 in bid to rally the troops
- Blow to Starmer as comms chief quits
- Who is Tim Allan? Starmer's latest aide to quit No 10
- Jacqui Smith insists Starmer will 'continue to lead change'
Will Starmer resign as prime minister and who could replace him?
13:15 , Harriette BoucherSir Keir Starmer is fighting for his political life amid fury over his appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador and the resignation of his closest adviser, Morgan McSweeney.
The prime minister is in the centre of a political storm after admitting he was aware of the former peer’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein even after his conviction for child sex offences.
Figures across the political spectrum – including MPs in his own party – have been questioning the prime minister’s judgement, with some declaring “it’s over” for Mr Starmer.
The furore comes after months of speculation about Sir Keir’s leadership of the Labour Party, with senior figures appearing to position themselves as his successor.
The clock has been ticking for some time now on a prime minister whose polling ratings have progressively worsened in his 16 months in power.
Athena Stavrou and Millie Cooke report:
Will Starmer resign as prime minister and who could replace him?
Starmer prepares to face Labour MPs angry over Mandelson scandal
13:08 , Alex RossSir Keir Starmer is facing a crucial 48 hours after losing his communications chief Tim Allan and chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, as pressure continues to grow on his leadership following the Lord Mandelson scandal.
This morning he addressed No 10 staff, telling them they are united by a “driving purpose” of “public duty”.
But the bigger test today will come when he is set to face mutinous Labour MPs unhappy over his judgement on Lord Mandelson, who he appointed as ambassador to the US despite knowing that his links with Jeffrey Epstein continued after the financier’s conviction for child sex offences.
UK leader Starmer fights for his job as Mandelson-Epstein revelations spark a leadership crisis
No 10 wouldn't say whether Starmer knew about comms director's resignation when he addressed staff
12:59 , Millie CookeDowning Street would not say whether Sir Keir Starmer knew about comms director Tim Allan's plan to resign at the point of his rallying speech to No 10 staff on Monday morning, suggesting he may have been blindsided by the resignation.
Questions were raised over what the PM knew and when after he failed to address Mr Allan's resignation in the address on Monday morning, which saw him pay tribute to Morgan McSweeney, who had resigned the previous day.
Labour grandee warns that ‘ditching Starmer will make country a laughing stock’
12:58 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s Political Editor David Maddox reports:
Former home secretary Alan Johnson has urged Labour MPs not to force Keir Starmer out of Number 10.
He warned that a change at the top will harm the UK’s reputation.
Mr Johnson told The Independent: “The [Liz] Truss fiasco [for the Tories in 2022] was bad enough but ditching a leader who wan a huge mandate for a 5 year term of office really would make the country (and Labour) an international laughing stock.”
Mr Johnson also claimed that there is no real alternative to Starmer for Labour to turn to.
He said: “Neither [health secretary] Wes Streeting nor [former deputy PM] Angela Rayner are credible replacements so once the lynch mob calms down, Keir will be fine or as fine as he can be given the polling figures.”
As Tim Allan quits No 10, will Keir Starmer be the last man standing?
12:43 , Harriette BoucherAnalysis by David Maddox, Political Editor:
Tim Allan is not a name on the tip of everyone’s tongues but his departure from Downing Street after just five months as director of communications is yet another sign of a premiership in freefall.
In just 19 months of government, Sir Keir Starmer is now looking for his fifth director of communications – assuming he lasts long enough to appoint one.
The regular change of such a crucial role explains why, as prime minister, Sir Keir has consistently struggled to find his voice and communicate a coherent message in government.
But with Mr Allan only coming into post in September last year, this resignation shows real signs of a prime minister in trouble.
Already it had been noted that Sir Keir could not attract anyone from outside his Downing Street operation to come in with fresh thinking to be the new chief of staff, forcing him to promote both of Mr McSweeney’s deputies as an interim measure. Even people already working in other parts of the government made it clear they do not want any part of the toxic atmosphere in Downing Street.
As Tim Allan quits No 10, will Keir Starmer be the last man standing?
Sir Keir is not resigning, says Downing Street
12:33 , Alex RossSir Keir Starmer is not resigning and will be “concentrating on the job in hand”, Downing Street has just said this lunchtime.
Asked if Sir Keir was going to resign today, the prime minister’s official spokesman said: “No. The prime minister is concentrating on the job in hand. He is getting on with the job of delivering change across the country.
He described his mood this morning as “upbeat” and “confident” as he gave a speech to No 10 staff.
Asked about reports going into the weekend that Sir Keir had been remorseful and wavering over his political future, he said: “That is not the Prime Minister who appeared in front of staff this morning. It is very clear that he remains determined to tackle the job in hand.”
The prime minister is confident he has the unanimous support of Cabinet, the spokesman said.
'The rats are abandoning the sinking ship', says Tory deputy chairman
12:28 , Harriette BoucherWhitehall Editor Kate Devlin reports:
Matt Vickers, the deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, said the country deserved leadership far better than Keir Starmer.
Commenting on Tim Allan’s resignation on Monday, the MP said: “The rats are abandoning the sinking ship that is Keir Starmer’s premiership.
"Labour MPs should stop moaning and put him out of his misery. The country deserves so much better than this weak, chaotic Government.
"The public is crying out for leadership with a backbone, a strong team and the clear plans to get Britain working again. That is Kemi Badenoch’s new Conservative Party.”
SNP Westminster leader: 'Starmer should do the decent thing and resign'
12:12 , Harriette BoucherSNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said Keir Starmer has become a “lame duck leader” and should "do the decent thing and resign".
In a statement released to PA Scotland, Mr Flynn said that voters had lost confidence in the prime minister
"The Labour government is in chaos and completely distracted from the issues that matter - like helping families with the cost of living, which has soared under Keir Starmer,” he said.
"On the Prime Minister's watch, the Labour Party has lurched from one crisis to another and has failed to deliver the 'change' voters were promised. Instead, we've had more of the same.
"It's not in Scotland's interests - or anyone's interests - for this chaos to continue endlessly.”
Starmer’s ex-comms chief changes his WhatsApp photo to ‘Gone Golfing’
12:01 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin has the story:
Tim Allan’s departure from Downing Street this morning was not expected.
Sir Keir’s now ex-comms chief had been briefing the press at the weekend about the departure of Morgan McSweeney.
But this morning Allan also left No 10.
As he exited he changed the photograph on his WhatsApp to one of a golf ball on a tee, alongside the words ‘Out of Office, Gone Golfing’.
Who is Tim Allan? Starmer's latest aide to quit No 10
11:46 , Harriette BoucherTim Allan has announced he is standing down from his role as comms chief on Monday, stating that he wanted to allow a new No10 team to be built.
The executive communications director began his career in politics as a press secretary for Tony Blair from 1992 to 1998.
He was considered to be one of the foundational figures in the former prime minister’s rise.
After a stint working for Alastair Campbell, he went on to work for media mogul Rupert Murdoch as the director of communications at Sky.
Mr Allan later founded PR agency Portland Communications in 2001.
He re-entered politics last September as part of a shake up of No 10.
Announcing his resignation on Monday, he said: “I have decided to stand down to allow a new No10 team to be built. I wish the PM and his team every success.”
Starmer addresses staff in Number 10 in bid to rally the troops
11:38 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s Political Editor David Maddox reports:
Addressing No10 staff, the Prime Minister said they were united by a “driving purpose” of “public duty”.
Referring to the revelations about Mandelson, he said: “The thing that makes me most angry is the undermining of the belief that politics can be a force for good and can change lives.
“I have been absolutely clear that I regret the decision that I made to appoint Peter Mandelson. And I've apologised to the victims which is the right thing to do.”
Paying tribute to Morgan McSweeney, he said: “I've known Morgan for eight years as a colleague and as a friend. We have run up and down every political football pitch that is across the country. We've been in every battle that we needed to be in together. Fighting that battle.
“We changed the Labour Party together. We won a general election together. And none of that would have been possible without Morgan McSweeney.
“His dedication, his commitment and his loyalty to our party and our country was second to none. And I want to thank him for his service.”
He highlighted the work of the government including tackling the cost of living and cutting NHS waiting lists.
He continued: “In just a few months, we start the work of lifting half a million children out of poverty. A massive thing to do in this country because that means that lives will be changed.
“For decades to come, children who otherwise wouldn't have fair chance and fair opportunity. Poverty holds children back like nothing else on earth. And so getting rid of child poverty opens up opportunities for so many.”
He concluded: “We must prove that politics can be a force for good. I believe it can. I believe it is. We go forward from here. We go with confidence as we continue changing the country.”
Blow to Starmer as comms chief quits
11:26 , Harriette BoucherAnalysis by Kate Devlin, Whitehall Editor:
In December, Tim Allan was photographed walking down Downing Street holding a piece of paper that set out plans for a “strong start” to 2026 for Keir Starmer’s government.
Just weeks later he is out.
The veteran PR man was hired to turn around the government’s communications last year, amid claims it had failed to lay out a vision or even a narrative for the choices it was making.
Since then the government has struggled to get on the front foot, even before the Mandelson scandal that engulfed it last week.
Mr Allan's relationship with Mandelson is also facing scrutiny, amid reports he attended a dinner with the former US ambassador a week before Mandelson’s wedding.
Last month government insiders told the Independent they believed that Allan had his eye on the chief of staff job, then held by Morgan McSweeney.
But now both have left No 10 in a little less than 24 hours.
Tim Allan arriving to Downing Street today ahead of his resignation announcement
11:24 , Harriette Boucher
Watch: Gordon Brown backs Keir Starmer over Mandelson scandal
11:21 , Harriette BoucherSenior minister warns that Starmer is running out of time
11:07 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s Political Editor David Maddox reports:
A senior minister has admitted that Keir Starmer may only have one more chance to save his premiership by using the departure of former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney as a reset moment.
With the prime minister set to address Labour MPs at a fractious meeting at 6pm in a bid to prevent them from forcing him out, the minister questioned whether he could do enough to persuade them.
They added: “Maybe he can use McSweeney’s resignation as a reset moment but things will have to get better much much quicker if he is going to survive.”
Breaking: No 10 communications director resigns
11:02 , Harriette BoucherDowning Street’s executive director of communications Tim Allan has resigned.
He said: “I have decided to stand down to allow a new No10 team to be built. I wish the PM and his team every success.”
Who are Sir Keir Starmer's new acting chiefs of staff?
10:57 , Harriette BoucherSir Keir Starmer is beginning the week with two new acting chiefs of staff in post following the resignation of Morgan McSweeney.
Vidhya Alakeson and Jill Cuthbertson have been named as Mr McSweeney’s replacements, at least for time time being.
Ms Alakeson has responsibility for policy and delivery and has managed Downing Street’s external relationships.
Before Labour entered office, she forged ties with the business community as the party’s director of external relations.
The former Resolution Foundation think tank deputy chief executive served in the No 10 strategy unit and in the Treasury during the last Labour government.
Ms Cuthbertson has managed the Prime Minister’s diary and has been described as the ultimate gatekeeper to Sir Keir.
She ran his office when he was leader of the opposition, having previously held similar roles for former Labour leaders Ed Miliband and Gordon Brown.
Leading pollster warns Starmer’s demise now ‘inevitable’
10:52 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s Political Editor David Maddox reports:
Leading pollster Lord Robert Hayward has told The Independent that he now believes Keir Starmer’s demise as prime minister is now inevitable.
But he has warned that changing leader will not help desperate Labour MPs fightback in the polls against Reform UK.
He said: “I’m becoming ever more convinced a change is inevitable. The Labour Party is coming to the ‘we might as well try something else stage’ as the Conservatives did [with Boris Johnson and Liz Truss].”
He added: “I thought a change of leadership would come slowly post May 7th local elections into the summer. Now think it could come post Gorton and Denton by-election [on 26 February].”
No 10 begs for MPs support ahead of Labour meeting
10:47 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin reports:
A note urging MPs to join Labour at the private meeting of the PLP on Monday has been sent around by No 10 as it tries to drum up support for the prime minister.
It asked MPs if they would be willing to speak on “the need to focus on the change we’re bringing and stop damaging briefings and divisive organising.”
It also invited them to talk about how “constituents and members understand the difference between Keir Starmer, who accepts his mistakes and apologises, and the previous Tory PM’s who set out to undermine all trust with voters.”
MPs told The Independent that they received the plea on Saturday.
Labour grandee warns that ‘ditching Starmer will make country a laughing stock’
10:37 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s Political Editor David Maddox reports:
Former home secretary Alan Johnson has urged Labour MPs not to force Keir Starmer out of Number 10.
He warned that a change at the top will harm the UK’s reputation.
Mr Johnson told The Independent: “The [Liz] Truss fiasco [for the Tories in 2022] was bad enough but ditching a leader who wan a huge mandate for a 5 year term of office really would make the country (and Labour) an international laughing stock.”
Mr Johnson also claimed that there is no real alternative to Starmer for Labour to turn to.
He said: “Neither [health secretary] Wes Streeting nor [former deputy PM] Angela Rayner are credible replacements so once the lynch mob calms down, Keir will be fine or as fine as he can be given the polling figures.”
Warnings Rayner and Streeting ‘can’t take the crown’
10:19 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin reports:
Labour sources are warning that neither Angela Rayner nor Wes Streeting can succeed Sir Keir Starmer, if it comes to it.
Streeting is under pressure for being a political ally of Peter Mandelson, while Ms Rayner is still awaiting the conclusion of the scandal that caused her to quit government last year - not paying enough tax on her home.
One Labour grandee told The Independent: “If it was me I would take both of them into a room and tell them - it can’t be them. Starmer needs to go, but they can’t take over.”
A Labour MP said: “Neither of them can take the crown.”
Critics say their political woes open the deport to other candidates such as home secretary Shabana Mahmood or energy secretary Ed Miliband.
'Keir Starmer just not fit to be prime minister of this country', says Tory chairman
10:03 , Harriette BoucherKeir Starmer is not “fit” to be prime minister and must take responsibility for his decisions, the Conservative Party chairman has said.
Kevin Hollinrake told Sky News that it was right for Morgan McSweeney to resign, but the prime minister must also be held accountable.
"Ultimately, the buck doesn't stop there," he said.
"It stops with the person actually making the decision. Keir Starmer can't blame everybody around him. He's got to take responsibility for his decisions in his judgement.
"I think the difficulties Keir Starmer faces are not just because of Peter Mandelson. He has made judgement after judgement that has been completely flawed.”
Pound under pressure as Starmer faces leadership challenge
09:47 , Harriette BoucherThe pound has dropped against the Euro as speculation of the prime minister’s position has sparked market unease.
The pound fell 0.15 per cent against the Euro, extending its worst month against the currency since September.
It comes as Keir Starmer is set to address furious Labour MPs on Monday.
Will Starmer resign as prime minister and who could replace him?
09:37 , Harriette BoucherSir Keir Starmer is fighting for his political life amid fury over his appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador and the resignation of his closest adviser, Morgan McSweeney.
The prime minister is in the centre of a political storm after admitting he was aware of the former peer’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein even after his conviction for child sex offences.
Figures across the political spectrum - including MPs in his own party - have been questioning the prime minister’s judgement, with some declaring “it’s over” for Starmer.
The furore comes after months of speculation about Sir Keir’s leadership of the Labour Party, with senior figures appearing to position themselves as his successor.
The clock has been ticking for some time now on a prime minister who has seen terrible polling ratings get progressively worse in his 16 months in power.
Athena Stavrou and Millie Cooke report:
Will Starmer resign as prime minister and who could replace him?
MPs lending staff to help Streeting leadership campaign, sources say
09:25 , Harriette BoucherMPs are said to be secretly lending staff to work on Wes Streeting’s leadership campaign, as they anticipate a leadership contest after local elections in May.
Allies of the health secretary have reportedly suggested parliamentary officials delay their annual leave so they can help him prepare to take on Starmer.
One Labour MP told The Times: “I’ve already told my staff, ‘If you want to take annual leave later in the year to go and work on Wes’s leadership campaign, I’d be fully supportive of that’.”
Another said: “These conversations are already happening, because even though colleagues have accepted there won’t be a change before May, they want Wes to be ready as soon as possible after.”
Despite widespread speculation, the health secretary has repeatedly said he was loyal to Sir Keir.
Morgan McSweeney: The rise and fall of Sir Keir Starmer’s right-hand man
09:20 , Harriette BoucherStarmer is 'determined' to continue with his agenda for change
09:14 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s Political Correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Sir Keir Starmer is “determined” to continue with his agenda for change, a government minister has insisted amid mounting speculation over the PM's future.
Asked if Sir Keir is determined to continue, Baroness Jacqui Smith told Times Radio: “No, I think that the prime minister absolutely is determined to. He’s determined and has taken responsibility for the mistakes made in appointing Peter Mandelson.
“He’s apologised to Epstein’s victims, and he’s determined now to put right a system that enabled this to happen.”
When it was put to her that Mr McSweeney was the one taking responsibility, she said: “The prime minister is taking responsibility. He took responsibility for the decision that was made about Peter Mandelson, although, to be clear here it was, of course, Peter Mandelson that in consistent lying and engagement with Jeffrey Epstein let down the party and the government and the country.
“And I think that will become clearer as the information around the appointment is put out into the public domain.”
It was Morgan McSweeney's own decision to resign, minister insists
09:08 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s Political Correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Skills minister Baroness Jacqui Smith insisted it was Morgan McSweeney's own decision to resign as Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff over the Lord Peter Mandelson scandal, rather than being told to go by the prime minister.
She told Sky News: “It was Morgan who thought about the position that he was in, and particularly, as I say, the extent to which he’d become the story, and decided that the best thing for the government that he had worked hard to ensure got into power was able to carry on doing the work for the country.
Pressed on whether Sir Keir Starmer wanted his chief of staff to go, she said: “My understanding is that Morgan McSweeney made the decision, Keir accepted it. They agreed together that that was the right thing to do.”
Rayner offered to speed up HRMC probe amid speculation over leadership challenge
09:07 , Harriette BoucherAngela Rayner has offered her help to speed up HRMC’s probe into her tax affairs, as speculation grows that she may be poised to launch a leadership campaign against Keir Starmer.
The former deputy prime minister is said to have been frustrated at the pace of her investigation, sources told the Sun on Sunday.
Allies of Ms Rayner, who is a frontrunner to replace Sir Keir, worry that her leadership bid will be stalled until after the investigation.
A source told the paper: “Despite Angela Rayner’s team getting in touch to offer to help, there is no way to make the probe go any quicker. Some investigations can take over a year. It is a very thorough and slow process.”
An ally of Ms Rayner’s denied that she had personally authorised briefings expressing that she was “frustrated” with the process.
One supporter told The Times:“We just don’t think it will help [to say that].
“Part of why this is taking a long time is that this isn’t how the law has been interpreted for a long time, so they have opened a lot of other investigations, it’s something HMRC wasn’t really aware of, so it might set a precedent.”
Watch: Jacqui Smith says McSweeney had been considering resignation for days
09:05 , Harriette BoucherStarmer 'unlikely' to be PM by the summer, says Theresa May's former chief of staff
09:04 , Harriette BoucherSir Keir is unlikely to be the prime minister by the summertime, Theresa May’s former chief of staff has said.
Gavin Barwell told BBC Radio 5 Live: "In some ways as chief of staff you are the second most important person in government, but you’re not a public figure.
When all documents related to Lord Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador are released, he suspects there will be a “whole load” of communication between Lord Mandelson and McSweeney.
Lord Barwell added: “Unlike Theresa's government, this government has a huge majority... it has the ability to do what it wants to do if it can get unified around agenda.
“I think it’s more likely than not that by the time we get to the summer Starmer will not be prime minister.”
How Morgan McSweeney's resignation unfolded
08:55 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s Political Correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Morgan McSweeney's resignation over the weekend came as no surprise to most watchers. It has long been known that Morgan McSweeney had a closer relationship with Peter Mandelson, and that it was him who pushed for his appointment. But McSweeney's close ties with Sir Keir Starmer also mean that many see their political fates to be intertwined.
As Labour MPs and grandees came out to call for McSweeney to go at the end of last week, there was a growing feeling behind the scenes that he may need to quit in order to stop the story from snowballing.
Sources told the Times that Starmer and McSweeney spoke on the phone about his future on Friday, with the PM's chief of staff increasingly taking the view that he needed to take responsibility for his backing of Mandelson. There was also said to be a growing acceptance that while the last few days have been bad, things will only get worse once hundreds of files relating to the appointment of the US ambassador are released.
After the Friday phone call, a number of further calls are said to have taken place over the weekend through until Saturday evening. But it was over the weekend when a poll of more than 1,000 Labour members - which saw more than three quarters say McSweeney should either resign from his role or be sacked - that the final decision was said to have been made.
It was this that caused the men to come to the conclusion that the PM could not conduct another reset of his government with his chief of staff still in place.
Skills minister: 'No prime minister has a human shield'
08:49 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s Political Correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
A government minister has said she "very much hopes" that Sir Keir Starmer will still be PM this time next year, insisting that "no prime minister has a human shield" in the wake of Morgan McSweeney's resignation.
It comes after allegations that Mr McSweeney took the fall for Sir Keir amid criticism of the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.
"No Prime Minister has a human shield", Baroness Jacqui Smith told Sky News. "Every prime minister is exposed and responsible for the decisions that they make in government, that's something that is taken seriously.
"Asked whether he will still be prime minister this time next year, she said: "I very much hope so. I think the last thing that the country or the party could do with at the moment is a lengthy leadership campaign."
PM's position one of 'complete weakness', says Swinney
08:48 , Harriette BoucherScotland's First Minister has said that the prime minister’s position is one of "complete weakness”.
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland on Monday, John Swinney said: "All that's happened in recent days demonstrates an appalling judgment by the Prime Minister in appointing Peter Mandelson as the ambassador to the United States.
"Although Morgan McSweeney might have resigned, the person that took the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was the Prime Minister and his position is a demonstration of his complete weakness as Prime Minister in the aftermath of this terrible decision."
Senior Labour MP says Starmer must reset
08:47 , Harriette BoucherDame Emily Thornberry said insisted Sir Keir Starmer was a “good leader”, but said he must “step up a bit more than he has” to ensure clear leadership.
Speaking to BBC’s Radio 4's Today programme, the senior Labour MP said that the party needed clear leadership, and Sir Keir needed to reset.
"He's a good leader in that he is strong and clear. I think that he needs to step up a bit more than he has.
"On the one hand, as a party, we need to be pretty united. Right from the leaflet deliverer to the Cabinet member, we need to be united and we need to know where we're going and we need to stick together.
"But we do need to have a clear leadership, and that's his challenge, so we reset and he needs to reset as well."
Minister insists Starmer will 'continue to lead change'
08:35 , Harriette BoucheThe Independent’s Political Correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Sir Keir Starmer will "continue to lead change" in Britain, a government minister has insisted in the wake of the resignation of the PM's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney.
Skills minister Baroness Jacqui Smith admitted that Mr McSweeney played an "important role" in the Labour government, but she argued it was Sir Keir himself that "led the party" to win the 2024 general election.
Asked whether the prime minister can survive without his chief of staff, Baroness Smith told Sky News: "Well, Morgan McSweeney certainly played an important role with Keir in, first of all, changing and recovering the Labour Party, to a position where it could win the general election in 2024 and helping to win that election and for the first 18 months of the government.
"But it was Keir Starmer that led the party to win that election, to win a five year term, to change the country, and it's Keir Starmer that will continue to lead that change."
She said she "very much hopes" that Sir Keir will still be PM this time next year, insisting that "no prime minister has a human shield".
Starmer's position is untenable, says Tory leader
08:18 , Harriette BoucherSir Keir Starmer is allowing Morgan McSweeney to “carry the can” for his appointment of Peter Mandelson, the Tory leader has said.
Kemi Badenoch has again called for the prime minister’s resignation, telling BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he must take responsibility for his decision.
She said: “(Claiming) 'I was badly advised' is not a good excuse for a leader. Advisers advise, leaders decide. He made a bad decision, he should take responsibility for that... this man said that he was the chief prosecutor for the country, when did he start believing everything that people told him?
"Peter Mandelson had been sacked twice for unethical behaviour. He is allowing someone else to carry the can for a decision that he chose to make. But the real problem is that this country is not being governed."
She added: "Keir Starmer promised a Government that would be whiter than white. His position now is untenable, because if he thinks that bad advice is enough for Morgan McSweeney to go, then, yes, I think that makes his position untenable."
Watch: Starmer acted in 'good faith' over Mandelson, says McFadden
08:06 , Harriette BoucherStarmer set to get heckled by Labour MPs
07:38 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s Political Editor David Maddox reports:
It has been hard to find a Labour MP in the last 24 hours since Morgan McSweeney’s enforced departure who thinks the prime minister can stay in office.
Apart from tweets by a couple of ultra loyalists, Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership is “over” in the minds of most of the parliamentary Labour Party.
But his plan to go and plead his case in regards to the Peter Mandelson/ Jeffrey Epstein scandal to them this evening at a meeting of the PLP left some perplexed.
A number of MPs, mostly from the left, have already publicly made it clear they want him to follow his now former chief of staff out of Downing Street quickly.
One exasperated Labour MP told The Independent: “[The PM] is going to be heckled I would imagine.”
Another warned that it “will be a bloodbath.”
Another said: “I struggled to believe he is doing it. I don’t know what he hopes to achieve.”
What are Labour MPs saying about Starmer?
07:32 , Harriette BoucherRachael Maskell told PA that Morgan McSweeney's departure was "a start" but that Keir Starmer now had to "turn away from the factionalism" caused by his former aide.
The Labour MP told BBC Radio 4’s The Westminster Hour on Sunday: “Let’s listen very carefully over the coming days to see that Keir Starmer has really understood how serious it is, the situation, what he has to do to build that inclusive party.
“And if he can achieve that, if he puts the agenda of inclusion, of building the confidence that he’s going to address those inequalities, not just in his party but across the country, then of course we will see where we get to.
“But if he cannot do that, if he hasn't understood the seriousness of the situation, then I think he will find it very difficult to continue.”
Meanwhile, Starmer ally John Slinger said people from across the country had told him “the last thing the country needs is leadership speculations and that we should support the prime minister”.
Analysis: Starmer’s right hand man has resigned – what does this mean for the future of the PM?
07:15 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s Political Editor David Maddox reports:
The name Morgan McSweeney may not have been on the lips of many people down the pub or at the school gate, but it has been one that those in the Westminster bubble are obsessed with.
Now, though, he has become the biggest scalp yet in the rapidly escalating scandal over Peter Mandelson that threatens to also engulf the prime minister.
The departure of the man who was responsible for Sir Keir being the leader of the Labour Party, the architect of the subsequent election victory and central figure in running the government leaves a weak prime minister very badly exposed.
Labour MPs were always aware of the now former Downing Street chief of staff’s power and importance, as something they considered to be either a toxic poison at the heart of government or a means to future preferment and promotion.
Starmer’s right hand man has resigned – what does this mean for the future of the PM?
Keir Starmer expected to address MPs on Monday
07:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe prime minister is expected to address Labour MPs at a meeting on Monday, according to reports.
It comes after the resignation of his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney following a turbulent week for the embattled leader.
He is also expected to give a statement on Mandelson scandal and his top aide Morgan McSweeney’s departure in Commons on Monday afternoon.
Labour MPs call on Starmer to go
06:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMorgan McSweeney may have resigned, but some Labour MPs have said they believe the prime minister should follow in his footsteps.
Labour MP Brian Leishman said: “There must be a change in political direction and that comes from the very top, so the Prime Minister must look at his own position and question whether he should follow McSweeney’s lead one last time, and resign for the good of the country and the Labour Party.”
But others have backed the PM. Labour MP John Slinger rejected calls for him to follow MRMcSweeney out of the door.
In a statement posted to X, the Rugby MP said: “I have been speaking publicly about how Labour should rally behind the prime minister, how we don’t ditch a leader just because the going gets tough, and how it’s in the national interest for Keir Starmer to stay as prime minister.
“Since I’ve done that, I have been approached in the street by constituents telling me they heard me on the radio and totally agree. I have had CEOs of companies message me to say they agree.
“And I have had people from all around the country, whether Labour or not, saying they think the last thing the country needs is leadership speculations and that we should support the prime minister.”
Everything the PM said after McSweeney's resignation
06:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer was quick to thank his former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney after he handed in his resignation over the Mandelson-Epstein scandal.
The prime minister said: “It’s been an honour working with Morgan McSweeney for many years. He turned our party around after one of its worst ever defeats and played a central role running our election campaign. It is largely thanks to his dedication, loyalty and leadership that we won a landslide majority and have the chance to change the country.
“Having worked closely with Morgan in opposition and in government, I have seen every day his commitment to the Labour Party and to our country. Our party and I owe him a debt of gratitude, and I thank him for his service.”
Who are Sir Keir Starmer's new acting chiefs of staff?
05:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer is beginning the week with two new acting chiefs of staff in post following the resignation of Morgan McSweeney.
Vidhya Alakeson and Jill Cuthbertson have been named as Mr McSweeney’s replacements, at least for time time being.
Ms Alakeson has responsibility for policy and delivery and has managed Downing Street’s external relationships.
Before Labour entered office, she forged ties with the business community as the party’s director of external relations.
The former Resolution Foundation think tank deputy chief executive served in the No 10 strategy unit and in the Treasury during the last Labour government.
Ms Cuthbertson has managed the Prime Minister’s diary and has been described as the ultimate gatekeeper to Sir Keir.
She ran his office when he was leader of the opposition, having previously held similar roles for former Labour leaders Ed Miliband and Gordon Brown.
Watch: Gordon Brown backs Keir Starmer over Mandelson scandal
05:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMorgan McSweeney's resignation statement in full
05:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe prime minister’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney resigned on Sunday following furore over the government’s handling of the Mandelson-Epstein scandal.
Below is his resignation letter in full:
“After careful reflection, I have decided to resign from the government.
“The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. 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.
“In public life responsibility must be owned when it matters most, not just when it is most convenient. In the circumstances, the only honourable course is to step aside.
“This has not been an easy decision. Much has been written and said about me over the years but my motivations have always been simple: I have worked every day to elect and support a government that puts the lives of ordinary people first and leads us to a better future for our great country.
“Only a Labour government will do that.
“I leave with pride in all we have achieved mixed with regret at the circumstances of my departure.
“But I have always believed there are moments when you must accept your responsibility and step aside for the bigger cause. As I leave I have two further reflections:
“Firstly, and most importantly, we must remember the women and girls whose lives were ruined by Jeffrey Epstein and whose voices went unheard for far too long.
“Secondly, while I did not oversee the due diligence and vetting process, I believe that process must now be fundamentally overhauled. This cannot simply be a gesture but a safeguard for the future.
“I remain fully supportive of the Prime Minister. He is working every day to rebuild trust, restore standards and serve the country. I will continue to back that mission in whatever way I can. It has been the honour of my life to serve."
Mandelson’s US ambassador payoff ‘to be reviewed by government’
04:00 , Shaheena UddinA reported five-figure payoff received by Peter Mandelson as part of his exit package when he was sacked as US ambassador is being reviewed by the Foreign Office, it has been reported.
Lord Mandelson was fired over his relationship with the disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein, and anger in Westminster has intensified after the latest release of documents, which indicated he leaked information to his friend while he was a government minister.
The Independent reporter, Nicole Wootton-Cane reports:
Sacked US ambassador Mandelson’s payoff ‘to be reviewed by government’
Defiant Starmer to take Labour message to country despite calls for him to quit over Mandelson
03:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
A defiant Keir Starmer is going to try to put himself front and centre of his beleaguered government’s fightback next week as calls grow for him to resign over the Mandelson scandal.
Downing Street has confirmed that the prime minister will be “out and about making the case for why [his Labour] government is delivering for working people” around the country next week as the fury over his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US escalates.
Starmer to take Labour message to country despite quit calls over Mandelson scandal
Watch: Starmer acted in 'good faith' over Mandelson, says McFadden
02:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneEditorial: Keir Starmer’s judgement should be questioned, but talk of change is premature
01:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Keir Starmer’s judgement should be questioned, but talk of change is premature
Starmer’s deputy warns Mandelson scandal will impact crucial by-election
00:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox and Whitehall editor Kave Devlin report:
Sir Keir Starmer’s deputy leader has warned the upcoming by-election in Gorton and Denton is a “dry run” for a general election as the prime minister – wounded by the Peter Mandelson scandal – faces a battle to cling on to the historically safe Labour seat.
Lucy Powell told The Independent that the vote, on 26 February, represents “a line in the sand” in Labour’s fight to stop the advance of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
But she admitted she expects the Mandelson issue to come up on the doorstep, and she could not say that Labour was confident of retaining the seat or if the prime minister will show his face there.
More below:
Starmer’s deputy warns Mandelson scandal will impact crucial by-election
Sir Keir Starmer to face furious MPs tomorrow
Sunday 8 February 2026 23:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer is set to face furious MPs on Monday as he battles to keep his premiership alive.
The prime minister will meet with the parliamentary Labour party on Monday morning in a bid to reassure his own party he is listening to their concerns.
He is also expected to give a statement on Mandelson scandal and his top aide Morgan McSweeney’s departure in Commons on Monday afternoon.
Lammy 'warned' Starmer about Mandelson appointment
Sunday 8 February 2026 23:00 , Shaheena UddinSir Keir Starmer is facing further backlash as it emerged that deputy prime minister David Lammy warned the leader about appointing Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador amid his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Friends and allies of Lammy told the Telegraph he had been against the appointment of Mandelson and in favour of an extension of Dame Karen Pierce’s term in the role due to her connections to President Donald Trump’s inner circle.
Mr Starmer is said to be “devastated” over the scandal and contemplating whether to stay as PM, according to the publication.
