Keir Starmer’s top aide Morgan McSweeney resigns

The first domino may have fallen

Recent revelations further detailing the relationship between former ambassador to the US Lord Peter Mandelson, who was sacked in September, 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.

McSweeney is reported to have been a key component in the appointment of Mandelson to the role of ambassador being a friend of the 72-year-old.

The Labour chief of staff said in a statement: "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.