Keir Starmer’s director of communications Tim Allan resigns

The second domino has fallen

This follows the resignation of Starmer's top aide and chief of staff Morgan McSweeney yesterday in the wake of controversy surrounding Lord Peter Mandelson.

Recent revelations further detailed the relationship between former ambassador to the US Lord Peter Mandelson, who was sacked in September, and disgraced, paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein which has brought pressure on the Labour government who appointed him.

The files suggest Mandelson shared secret information with the convicted sex offender while he was business secretary.

In a statement, Allan said: "I have decided to stand down to allow a new Number 10 team to be built. 

"I wish the PM and his team every success."

Allan only took up the role in September last year.

He previously worked for Tony Blair, between 1992 and 1998.

This follows McSweeney's statement yesterday, which read: "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."

Keir Starmer has admitted he knew Mandelson had a relationship with Epstein before appointing him ambassador, but said he did not know the full extent of that relationship or the contents of key emails until later.