Sir Keir Starmer has selected new acting chiefs of staff following Morgan McSweeney’s exit, as widely reported. Vidhya Alakeson and Jill Cuthbertson, who previously served as deputies to McSweeney, have assumed the roles. McSweeney resigned from his chief of staff position today, citing “full responsibility” for advising the prime minister on appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador last year.
This development comes after authorities initiated a criminal probe into allegations that Mandelson shared confidential information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson was dismissed from his post in September due to reports of his continued association with Epstein post-conviction in 2008. The issue resurfaced following the release of numerous new documents known as the Epstein files last week.
Reportedly, Starmer’s new appointee, Vidhya Alakeson, is responsible for policy, delivery, and managing external relations at Downing Street. Prior to the current role, she built connections with the business sector as the Labour Party’s director of external relations. Alakeson previously worked in the No 10 strategy unit and the Treasury during the last Labour government.
Jill Cuthbertson, who oversees the Prime Minister’s schedule, is described as Sir Keir’s key aide. She managed his office during his time as opposition leader and previously held similar positions for former Labour leaders Ed Miliband and Gordon Brown.
In a statement after stepping down, McSweeney expressed regret over the decision to appoint Mandelson, acknowledging the harm caused to the party, the country, and public trust in politics. Starmer later apologized to Epstein’s victims for believing Mandelson’s falsehoods and appointing him as the UK’s ambassador to the US.
Addressing the victims directly, Starmer expressed remorse for the injustices they suffered, attributing it to the failure of powerful figures, including himself, and pledged accountability for the misstep in appointing Mandelson.
