14 hours ago
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British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s most senior aide, Morgan McSweeney, has announced his resignation as chief of staff over the appointment of Jeffrey Epstein-linked Lord Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States.
Falling on his sword in an apparent attempt to save the skin of his erstwhile boss, McSweeney said on Sunday that he takes “full responsibility” for advising the Prime Minister to appoint Lord Mandelson to the top diplomatic posting last year, despite Downing Street and Starmer hismelf being aware that the veteran political operative had continued his close relationship with the pedophile financier even after Epstein served prison time for child prostitution offences.
In a statement, McSweeney said, “In his statement, Morgan McSweeney said per the Times of London: “The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself.
“When asked, I advised the prime minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice.”
“This has not been an easy decision… I have worked every day to elect and support a government that puts the lives of ordinary people first and leads us to a better future for our great country. Only a Labour government will do that.
“I leave with pride in all we have achieved mixed with regret at the circumstances of my departure. But I have always believed there are moments when you must accept your responsibility and step aside for the bigger cause we must remember the women and girls whose lives were ruined by Jeffrey Epstein and whose voices went unheard for far too long. Secondly, while I did not oversee the due diligence and vetting process, I believe that process must now be fundamentally overhauled.”
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English (US)