Cabinet Minister Insists Responsibility for Mandelson Appointment Lies With Prime Minister
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has publicly defended Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, amid growing calls from Labour MPs for his resignation over the Peter Mandelson ambassador scandal. Speaking exclusively to Sky News' Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, the senior cabinet minister argued that ultimate responsibility for the controversial appointment rests squarely with the prime minister.
Mounting Pressure Over Epstein Links
The political storm has intensified following revelations that Mr McSweeney reportedly pushed for Lord Mandelson to be appointed as ambassador to the United States last year, despite his documented connections to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Lord Mandelson was subsequently dismissed from the Washington role in September after emails emerged showing he had maintained contact with Epstein following his 2008 conviction for sex offences.
"I don't think he should resign," Mr McFadden stated firmly when questioned about Mr McSweeney's position. "In the end, it's a prime ministerial appointment. And prime ministers have to take responsibility for the decisions that they make."
Fresh Revelations Deepen Controversy
The controversy has gained renewed momentum this week with the release of additional Epstein files, which suggest Lord Mandelson may have shared sensitive government information with the disgraced financier during his tenure as business secretary under Gordon Brown's administration. These latest disclosures have prompted some Labour backbenchers to openly question Sir Keir Starmer's leadership, particularly after he appeared to confirm that Mandelson's ongoing relationship with Epstein was discussed during the vetting process.
Mr McFadden addressed these concerns directly, warning that a change in leadership would cause significant damage to Britain's international standing. "I think he's got a five-year mandate, which was just voted for 18 months or so ago in a general election," he explained. "His task is by no means complete, barely begun."
Defending Political Stability
The cabinet minister elaborated on the broader implications of political instability, stating: "I also think it is not good for the country to change its prime minister every 18 months or two years. This is leading to chaos and uncertainty, economically, politically and reputationally around the world."
While acknowledging the severity of the situation, Mr McFadden urged continued support for the prime minister. "I know this has been a difficult week, but I think we should stick with the prime minister, support him," he said. "He admits he's made a bad mistake here. He has apologised for it, and I'm sure he will learn from that going forward."
Call for Payoff Return
In a significant development, Mr McFadden also called for Lord Mandelson to return the financial settlement he received following his dismissal from the ambassadorial position. "I think taking a payoff in these circumstances, I don't think the public will think much of that," he remarked, suggesting the money should instead be donated to "a charity, perhaps one involving violence against women and girls."
The minister's intervention comes at a critical juncture for the Labour government, which faces mounting pressure to address the fallout from what has become one of the most damaging political scandals of its tenure. With several Labour MPs continuing to demand accountability, the prime minister's handling of this crisis will likely have significant implications for his administration's stability and public credibility.
