Naturally after Mandelson went the focus shifted to Downing Street. Security staff were not going to let the line that there were no issues with Mandy’s appointment hold for long…
It’s not only Starmer’s judgement which has been called into question. Starmer’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney – a very close ally of Mandelson – is facing blame now. A Downing Street source tells Guido: “Morgan is in trouble. Mandy was all his idea, he pushed it. He went against advice and tried to keep him.” Terrible for Starmer…
McSweeney and Mandelson are said by insiders to have had a close political relationship and viewed themselves as the key ‘sensibles’ ariund Starmer. Both spoke to the other very frequently by phone and met when possible…
Speaking about Morgan McSweeney’s resignation, skills minister Jacqui Smith told Times Radio:
“It’s clearly not ideal but I do understand why Morgan, as he explained, decided to resign at this point. But the important thing as you say is how we both tackle what this Epstein and Mandelson scandal has identified and also how we make sure, as the prime minister is absolutely determined to, that we continue the change that the country needs and that’s what I’m focusing on this morning.”