Starmer Crisis Deepens After Communications Chief Resigns

The political crisis facing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer intensified on Monday after his communications director, Tim Allan, resigned, saying he was stepping aside to allow the formation of a new team to better support the embattled leader.

Allan’s departure comes amid mounting criticism of Starmer following his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to the United States. The move has sparked controversy over Mandelson’s past links to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sexual offences.

The resignation followed that of Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s closest adviser, who stepped down a day earlier after acknowledging responsibility for encouraging the Mandelson appointment. The episode has raised questions within political circles about Starmer’s judgment and leadership at a critical moment.

Addressing staff at Downing Street, Starmer urged unity and sought to reassure his team as pressure mounted. He said politics must prove it can be a force for good and insisted his government would move forward with confidence and continue its efforts to change the country.

Despite his appeal, the loss of another senior aide has done little to calm the situation or silence calls from critics for Starmer to step aside. The unfolding resignations underline the growing strain on the prime minister as his leadership faces its most serious test since taking office.