Morgan McSweeney, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's former chief adviser, said he made a "serious mistake" recommending that the PM appoint Peter Mandelson as Foreign Secretary. McSweeney cited concerns that Mandelson did not provide the "full truth" about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
The statement represents a rare public break between McSweeney and the government he helped shape. Mandelson, a senior Labour figure and longtime ally of Starmer, faced scrutiny after the appointment over his past connections to the deceased financier. The controversy has shadowed the new Foreign Secretary's tenure.
McSweeney's comments suggest internal doubts about the vetting process for the role. He did not elaborate on what specific information about Mandelson and Epstein emerged after the appointment or what additional disclosures should have been made beforehand.
The row underscores the political risks around Epstein-related associations, which have damaged figures across the political spectrum. It also raises questions about due diligence in Starmer's personnel decisions during his early months as Prime Minister.
Mandelson has not responded publicly to McSweeney's remarks.