The latest emails released by the US Justice Department relating to the Jeffrey Epstein files have rocked the UK government. The revelations of its top officials' association with Epstein and key aides quitting have put pressure on UK PM Keir Starmer's resignation.
UK PM Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, may have been the latest to quit over the Epstein link. Though he is not directly mentioned in the files released by the Justice Department, his rooting for US ambassador Peter Mandelson led to his resignation. Mandelson's name was mentioned in the latest Epstein files. His appointment as US ambassador was blamed on McSweeney, who was known as the protégé of Mandelson.
"The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He had damaged our party, our country...I advised the Prime Minister to make that appointment, and I take full responsibility for that advice," McSweeney said.
Mandelson was sacked by Starmer in September over his friendship with Epstein. Last week, he also quit the Labour Party and the House of Lords.
Tim Allan, Starmer's director of communications, also announced his resignation after McSweeney. Reportedly, Allan's resignation is also linked to the scandal surrounding Mandelson's appointment.
There are also rumours that Cabinet Secretary Chris Mason might be tendering his resignation following the recent revelation.
Who was fired?
UK ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson was sacked before the latest round of revelations, because of his ties to Epstein.
Despite Starmer knowing Mandelson's relationship with Epstein, he was appointed to the key post in 2024.
While directly addressing the victims of Epstein, Starmer apologised for believing the "lies" of Mandelson. "None of us knew the depths and the darkness of that relationship," Starmer said.