Calls are mounting for Keir Starmer to fire his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, following the controversial decision to name Peter Mandelson as the next UK ambassador to the United States.

Simon Opher, a Labour Member of Parliament, has publicly demanded McSweeney’s dismissal. Opher argued that the Prime Minister has been poorly advised throughout this process. Adding to the criticism, former Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman remarked that Starmer appeared "weak and gullible" for issuing an apology after admitting he had believed lies told by Mandelson.

The backlash centers on fresh allegations regarding Mandelson’s past ties to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. New reports have come to light involving private bank transfers and claims that Mandelson shared sensitive, confidential government data with Epstein.

While Downing Street maintains that McSweeney still has the Prime Minister’s full support, government ministers are reportedly preparing to release official documents and files linked to the appointment process.