second resignation of a senior cabinet official

McSweeney submitted his resignation after admitting that he had recommended the appointment in February 2025 of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States, who was removed when the extent of his ties to the late American financier and convicted pedophile was revealed Jeffrey Epstein.

Allan, what I had only been on the job for a few months.said in a brief statement that he is leaving the cabinet “to allow a new team to be built in Downing Street” and in which he wishes “every success” to the prime minister and his team.

The Labor sectors most critical of the cabinet have celebrated Allan’s departure: “In five months he has not achieved any decisive advance in Starmer’s popularity.”

The opposition has pointed out that it is the head of the Government who should assume the ultimate responsibility by the designation. The leader of the Conservative Party, Kemi Badenochdeclared this Monday that Starmer’s position is “unsustainable”, while the Scottish Government’s chief minister, John Swinney, said it demonstrates “his weakness” as a leader.

In support of the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Equality, Jacqui Smithassured that “he is determined” to continue with his mandate, after coming to power with an absolute majority in the July 2024 elections.

Starmer will meet with his parliamentary group in the House of Commons (lower) this afternoon to try to secure their support at a critical time for his leadership.