Epstein Files: Starmer Top Aide Resigns as Scottish Labour Leader Says PM Should Quit

ByEditor

Feb 9, 2026 #Anas Sarwar criticism, #Keir Starmer leadership pressure, #Labour Party crisis, #Morgan McSweeney quits, #Peter Mandelson Epstein files, #Starmer resignation calls, #UK political scandal

Femi Ashekun/

Political pressure on UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, mounted on Sunday as senior figures continued to resign from his government following revelations connected to the so-called Epstein files, and as the Scottish Labour leader is set to call for Starmer to step down.

Sky News reported that Anas Sarwar will urge Sir Keir Starmer to resign as prime minister, reflecting deepening divisions within the Labour Party over its handling of the controversy.

The most high-profile departure came earlier the same day, when Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s chief of staff, resigned from his position amid intense criticism over his role in advising the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States.

In his resignation letter, McSweeney said he was taking “full responsibility” for having recommended Mandelson’s appointment and acknowledged it was the “honourable course” to step aside.

The Mandelson appointment has become a central flashpoint in the controversy.

Newly released documents from a large tranche of Jeffrey Epstein-related files raised serious questions about the former Labour heavyweight’s judgment and past associations with the convicted sex offender, including alleged financial links and the sharing of sensitive information when Mandelson served in government.

Lord Mandelson resigned his membership of the Labour Party earlier in the week, saying he wished to avoid “further embarrassment” over his links to Epstein.

Starmer has also faced calls from opposition figures, including Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, who argued the prime minister must take responsibility for appointments he authorised.

The broader political fallout has included additional senior departures.

On Monday, Tim Allan, the prime minister’s director of communications, resigned, part of a wider shake-up of Downing Street staff amid the escalating scandal.

The controversy intensified after Starmer issued a public apology to the victims of Epstein, acknowledging the appointment decision and apologising for the government’s misjudgment.

Mandelson’s role in the scandal has also prompted law-enforcement interest in the UK. Police are reported to be reviewing aspects of the allegations of misconduct tied to his handling of government information, although no charges have been brought.

With senior aides departing and growing calls from both within his party and from opposition ranks, Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership faces an increasingly volatile period.

The coming days are expected to be pivotal for the stability of his premiership and for Labour’s standing ahead of future political contests.