Starmer in fight to reassert control over Labour party after McSweeney exit

Allies hope aide's departure can quell anger over Mandelson scandal but others say it leaves PM dangerously exposed

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Keir Starmer is fighting to reassert control over his party after accepting the resignation of his closest adviser, Morgan McSweeney, amid anger over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.

After days of pressure over the scandal, his departing chief of staff said on Sunday he took full responsibility" for his advice to send Mandelson to Washington despite his ongoing relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, which McSweeney conceded had undermined trust in Labour and in politics itself.