Mr McSweeney quit as Sir Keir’s chief of staff on Sunday, saying he was taking “full responsibility” for giving the Prime Minister advice that resulted in the “wrong” appointment. Labour veteran Baroness Smith rejected reports that Sir Keir is considering resigning and said he is “determined” to continue with his agenda for change. She told Times Radio: “The Prime Minister is taking responsibility. The Guardian, citing a well-placed source, said they would show the Cabinet Office had warned about the grave reputational risk of handing Lord Mandelson the ambassadorship. Dame Emily Thornberry insisted Sir Keir is a “good leader” but said he must “step up a bit more than he has” to ensure clear leadership.

Source: The Times February 09, 2026 09:59 UTC