British PM Aide Resigns Over Epstein Ambassador Appointment Scandal

A close aide to British Prime Minister Starmer has resigned over his responsibility for appointing the former ambassador to the United States, who has been linked to Epstein. Morgan McSweeney, Prime Minister Starmer’s chief of staff, resigned on the 8th over the appointment of former Ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson, saying he had “recommended it to the prime minister”. Former Ambassador to the United States Mandelson was fired in September last year after it was discovered that he had ties to former billionaire Epstein, who was charged with sex trafficking of minors. In a statement, Mr McSweeney said: “The appointment was a mistake, and it has damaged confidence in the Labor Party, Britain and politics. I take full responsibility.” On the 6th, the London Metropolitan Police Department is proceeding with an investigation, including raiding the homes of Mr. Mandelson’s associates, on suspicion of leaking confidential government information to Mr. Epstein. Mr. Starmer apologized for appointing Mr. Mandelson as ambassador to the United States by the 5th, and explained that “I did not understand the depth of the relationship between the two,” but criticism of Mr. Starmer is increasing even within the ruling party, and there are calls for his resignation.