Tim Allan, the communications director for Keir Starmer, has resigned after only five months in the role. His departure follows just one day after the Prime Minister’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, also left the administration. These exits come during a heated dispute over the decision to name Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to Washington.

In an official statement, Allan explained that he stepped down to make way for a new leadership team. Meanwhile, Starmer spoke to his staff to repeat his regrets regarding Mandelson’s appointment. Losing two top aides in less than 24 hours has fueled the perception that the operations at Downing Street are spinning out of control. Conservative critics have used the turnover to hit out at Starmer, questioning his judgment and ability to lead.