Cabinet Minister Defends PM's Chief of Staff Amid Mandelson Scandal
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has insisted that Prime Minister Keir Starmer must take full responsibility for the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, rather than his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney facing resignation calls.
Minister Rejects Calls for McSweeney's Resignation
Speaking to Sky News' Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Mr McFadden defended Mr McSweeney against mounting pressure from several Labour MPs who believe he should either resign or be sacked over the Mandelson affair. The cabinet minister argued that ultimate responsibility rests with the prime minister himself.
"I don't think he should," Mr McFadden stated when asked if Mr McSweeney should step down. "In the end... it's a prime ministerial appointment. And prime ministers have to take responsibility for the decisions that they make."
Background to the Controversial Appointment
Mr McSweeney is reported to have pushed for Lord Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to Washington last year, despite the former minister's known connections to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Lord Mandelson was subsequently dismissed from the diplomatic role in September following revelations about emails he sent to Epstein after the financier's 2008 conviction for sex offences.
The controversy has intensified significantly this week with the release of additional Epstein documents suggesting Lord Mandelson may have leaked sensitive information to his friend following the global financial crisis, during his tenure as business secretary in Gordon Brown's government.
Growing Pressure on Prime Minister Starmer
Some Labour MPs have now openly called for Sir Keir to resign after he appeared to confirm that Lord Mandelson's ongoing relationship with Epstein was discussed during the former ambassador's vetting process. This admission has fuelled criticism of the prime minister's judgement in making the appointment.
However, Mr McFadden strongly defended his leader, warning that a change of leadership would cause significant reputational damage to both the government and the country.
Defence of Prime Minister's Mandate
"I think he's got a five-year mandate, which was just voted for 18 months or so ago in a general election," the cabinet minister told Trevor Phillips. "His task is by no means complete, barely begun."
Mr McFadden emphasised the importance of political stability, adding: "And I also think it is not good for the country to change its prime minister every 18 months or two years is leading to chaos and uncertainty, economically, politically and reputationally around the world."
Minister's Appeal for Continued Support
Acknowledging the difficult political week, Mr McFadden urged colleagues and the public to maintain support for the prime minister. "So I know this has been a difficult week, but I think we should stick with the prime minister, support him. 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 Mandelson to Return Payoff
In a separate development, Mr McFadden suggested that Lord Mandelson should return the financial payoff he received following his dismissal from the Washington role. The cabinet minister proposed the money could be donated to charitable causes.
"I think taking a payoff in these circumstances, I don't think the public will think much of that," Mr McFadden commented. He suggested the former ambassador should "give it to a charity, perhaps one involving violence against women and girls."
The ongoing controversy continues to create significant political turbulence for the Labour government, with questions about judgement and accountability dominating parliamentary discussions and media coverage.
