MORGAN McSweeney has today sensationally quit the government amid growing fury over the Mandelson scandal.
But who is the man Sir in Labour’s 2024 General Election success?
Morgan McSweeney has today quit the government amid growing fury over the Mandelson scandalCredit: Marcin Nowak/LNP
He served as the PM’s chief of staff after replacing the axed Sue GrayCredit: Picture Agency/Shutterstock
Who is Morgan McSweeney?
Morgan McSweeney was born in Macroom, County Cork, in April 1977.
Almost three decades later, he secured his first job within the , working at Lambeth Council.
He impressed after helping his party win back control of the London council, alongside the current Housing Secretary .
In 2017, McSweeney became director of thinktank Labour Together, challenging the far-left ideology of then-party leader .
After Corbyn’s resignation following the 2019 election defeat, McSweeney was charged with running Keir Starmer’s party leadership bid.
He helped Sir Keir secure the role with 56% of the vote, seeing off competition from and .
The Svengali is credited with masterminded Labour’s campaign and banishing the hard left from the party.
In 2024, Mr McSweeney served as the PM’s chief of staff after replacing the axed Sue Gray in the most senior adviser role.
But Mr McSweeney has long been criticised for freezing out MPs.
He also sought advice from figures like Lord Mandelson, with whom he was close – ultimately leading to his fall from grace..
Why has Morgan McSweeney resigned?
In recent days there has been a groundswell of calls from Labour MPs and grandees to sack Mr McSweeney over the Mandelson scandal.
Sir Keir issued a for hiring Mandelson, but said he was not aware of the “depth and the darkness” of his relationship with Epstein.
Mr McSweeney had advised the PM as US Ambassador despite his well-known relationship with the paedophile.
And his resignation will be viewed as a last-gasp attempt to save Sir Keir’s premiership that has been plunged into turmoil in recent weeks.
In his resignation letter, Mr McSweeney took “full responsibility” for the decision to appoint the disgraced Labour peer.
He said: “After careful reflection, I have decided to resign from the government.
“The decision to appoint was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in itself.
“When asked, I advised the Prime Minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice.
Mr McSweeney had advised the PM to appoint Lord MandelsonCredit: Tayfun Salci
“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.”
Mr McSweeney said the PM retains his full support and that it has been the “honour of his life” to serve as his chief of staff.
Is Morgan McSweeney married and does he have any children?
Mr McSweeney is married to Imogen Walker, a Labour politician and assistant government whip.
Former boss and actress Walker has served as the MP for Hamilton and Clyde Valley in since July 2024.
They were described as Labour’s new “power couple”, having both worked for Lambeth Council.
She was initially elected while working as a professional actress – with former roles on Taggart and BBC’s Doctors.
The pair share one son together.
Mr McSweeney is married to Imogen Walker, a Labour politician and assistant government whipCredit: Refer to Caption
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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