Labour MP Demands 'Clearout' of Starmer's No 10 Advisers Amid Mandelson Row
Welcome to Friday's edition of our UK politics blog, where we delve into the latest developments from Westminster. Today, we revisit a pivotal moment from July 2024, which now casts a long shadow over the current political landscape.
Election Promises and Current Turmoil
During the last election cycle, Keir Starmer's message to the British people was straightforward and compelling. He positioned Labour as the mature, responsible party in Parliament, the only one capable of governing the country effectively. The campaign was anchored by a frequently repeated slogan: "Only a Labour government can break this cycle and stop the chaos."
However, the prime minister has recently endured what many are calling his worst week in office. Growing anger and frustration have plagued the party, with Labour MPs struggling to maintain a unified message. This latest incident, involving the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, is seen by many as a self-inflicted wound.
Internal Divisions and Calls for Change
Labour MPs are deeply divided on how to address the fallout. While some advocate for a swift resolution, others are calling for more drastic measures. Number 10 has so far resisted demands to sack Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who was instrumental in pushing for Mandelson's appointment back in 2024.
Despite this resistance, the outrage shows no signs of abating. In a candid interview on the Today programme, Labour MP Simon Opher voiced the sentiments of many within the party, calling for a significant overhaul of the prime minister's advisory team.
Opher's Stark Warning
Simon Opher did not mince his words when he stated that there needs to be a "clearout" of advisers in Number 10. He specifically highlighted Morgan McSweeney, suggesting that his departure is essential for the party to move forward. Opher expressed the collective frustration of Labour MPs, who would rather focus on pressing issues like the cancer care plan instead of being embroiled in controversies over appointments.
"There's a lot of anger amongst Labour MPs, because really we want to, I mean, yesterday, I want to be talking about the cancer care plan, not about Peter Mandelson," he said. "So I think what we need to do, I think what needs to really happen is that we need to, Keir Starmer needs to change his advisers in Number 10, I think he's been badly advised, and he's been really let down, particularly on this decision."
When pressed on whether this meant McSweeney should be removed from his position, Opher was unequivocal: "I think so yes." He added, "If my chief of staff had done this I think he would be looking for another job to be honest."
Looking Ahead
This call for a clearout underscores the deepening rift within the Labour Party as it grapples with internal discord and external pressures. The focus now shifts to how Keir Starmer will respond to these demands and whether he will take decisive action to restore confidence among his MPs and the public.
