UK PM's former chief of staff says he was wrong to encourage Mandelson appointment
Morgan McSweeney, former chief of staff to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, admitted to promoting the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, calling it a serious error of judgment. He denied instructing officials to bypass procedures during the vetting process. The situation has led to calls for Starmer's resignation amid accusations of misleading Parliament.
- ▪Morgan McSweeney took responsibility for the appointment of Peter Mandelson, describing it as a serious error of judgment.
- ▪He denied having instructed officials to ignore procedures or bypass security vetting.
- ▪The appointment has sparked controversy and calls for Prime Minister Starmer's resignation.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Ex-aide backs British PM Starmer over Mandelson appointmentSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxWhile describing it as a “serious error of judgment” that cost him his job, however, Mr Morgan McSweeney denied having driven the appointment through by instructing officials to ignore procedures or grant clearance.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished Apr 28, 2026, 06:48 PMUpdated Apr 28, 2026, 08:21 PMListenLONDON - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s one-time closest aide, Mr Morgan McSweeney, backed his former boss on April 28 by taking responsibility for promoting the “wrong” appointment of Labour veteran Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington.While describing it as a “serious error of judgment” that cost him his job, however, Mr McSweeney denied having driven the appointment…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.