McSweeney’s resignation raises questions over lobbying links

Oliver Dean | 9th February 2026 | Lobbying, Moves

Whilst the headlines focus on McSweeney's exit from Downing Street, his work at Labour Together has gone unnoticed

On Sunday, Downing Street Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney resigned from his position. In his resignation statement, he took full responsibility for advising the Prime Minister on the appointment of Peter Mandelson as Ambassador to the United States. Of course, there are essential questions that will be raised in the coming days and weeks. For instance, who will replace him? What does this mean for Starmer? Indeed, the list goes on. But, amidst such chaos, McSweeney’s involvement with the public affairs group APCO Worldwide has gone largely unnoticed - and the lack of attention paid to this story is of significant concern. McSweeney’s resignation is, of course, an important point of discussion. As the supposed architect of Starmer’s ascension to power, and Labour’s subsequent election victory in 2024, his departure will leave the PM in a rather precarious position. True, the concept of Starmerism had become enmeshed with McSweeney, who was often seen to be the true wielder of power in N...

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