IT BEGINS: Morgan McSweeney is stepping down as UK PM Starmer’s chief of staff over Epstein-Mandelson scandal

Breaking news: Morgan McSweeney has resigned as chief of staff to Keir Starmer, as the UK prime minister seeks to stave off leadership speculation over the fallout of the Epstein scandal https://t.co/OPgiRZHbaE pic.twitter.com/mlqM8iaExb

— Financial Times (@FT) February 8, 2026

McSweeney’s departure follows the recent loss of 2 other aides who were also particularly close to Starmer, his director of political strategy Paul Ovenden and his communications head Steph Driver.

Just In: United Kingdom people calling for Keir Starmer to Resign immediately after Epstein Files released. 🇬🇧

pic.twitter.com/zhQDfOFD8b

— The Briefing Room (@TheBriefengRoom) February 8, 2026

BREAKING: Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has reacted to Morgan McSweeney's resignation, saying 'once again with this PM, it's somebody else's fault', and it's 'about time' he resigned.

Read the latest on our live blog ➡️ https://t.co/bEaMMaTouN

📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602 pic.twitter.com/WhKUeZfPY1

— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 8, 2026