Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Sunday, February 8, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Sunday, February 8, 2026
UK PM’s top aide quits in scandal over Mandelson’s links to Epstein
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on Google
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, London, January 16, 2026. (Henry Nicholls/Pool Photo via AP)
Embattled British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff resigns over the appointment of Peter Mandelson last year as ambassador to the United States, despite Mandelson’s links to US convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“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,” Morgan McSweeney says in a statement.
“I advised the Prime Minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice,” he adds.
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
The Times of Israel Community.
JOIN THE TOI COMMUNITY
Already a member? Log in here