What a difference five days makes

Wednesday 4th February 2026: 

Sir Keir Starmer at this week’s PMQs

‘Morgan McSweeney is an essential part of my team. He helped me change the Labour party and win an election. I have confidence in him.’














Sunday 8th February 2026:

Morgan McSweeney resigns.

He said: "After careful reflection, I have decided to resign from the Government. The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself.

"When asked, I advised the Prime Minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice. 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."

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