Morgan McSweeney Criticizes Labour’s Preparedness for Government, Warns of “Out-of-Shape” State
Morgan McSweeney, former chief of staff to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has criticized the Labour Party for failing to adequately prepare for government ahead of its 2024 election victory, according to a BBC interview. McSweeney, who resigned in February 2025 over his role in appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, stated the party lacked a “theory” for delivering rapid change and underestimated public expectations.
“We didn’t prepare enough for what kind of world we were going to be in,” McSweeney said on the BBC’s *Political Thinking* podcast. “The state is really out of shape and is unable to deliver for people.” His comments come as Labour faces scrutiny over its early tenure, with public approval ratings dipping amid unmet promises on housing, healthcare, and economic reform.
Why Labour’s Readiness Was Questioned
McSweeney attributed the party’s struggles to a lack of strategic foresight, noting that Labour’s 2024 victory—its size of victory—left it unprepared for the “volatility” of modern governance. “We didn’t have enough conversations at the top of the party about what that meant, how to prepare for it,” he said.
The former No. 10 aide also criticized the initial tone of Labour’s government, arguing it was “too negative” and that optimism could have improved public trust. “We should have been way more optimistic when we started,” he added. These remarks align with internal party debates over how to balance reform with immediate policy delivery.
McSweeney’s Departure and Personal Reflections
McSweeney, who served as Starmer’s chief of staff after Sue Gray’s departure, emphasized he was not blaming individuals for Labour’s challenges. “I take my own responsibilities for that, rather than blaming one person,” he said. He announced his decision to step away from politics, stating, “I’m committing to being out of politics for at least the next few years.”
He described his time in No. 10 as “uncomfortable” due to the pressure of public visibility. “I became more and more visible the longer I stayed in the job,” he said. McSweeney also shared anecdotes from his tenure, including a surreal call with former US President Donald Trump, who reportedly complained about “foxes getting obese from eating birds felled by wind turbines.”
What’s Next for Labour Under Andy Burnham?
McSweeney expressed cautious optimism about Andy Burnham’s potential leadership, citing the former chancellor’s plans to relocate No. 10 staff outside London. “If at the top of government there are people who don’t just have a desk somewhere outside London, but actually live their whole lives outside of London, I think that will be a good thing,” he said.
However, he acknowledged the proposal would face resistance. “A lot of people won’t like it,” McSweeney noted. His comments reflect broader discussions within Labour about decentralizing power and modernizing governance structures.
How Does This Impact UK Politics?
McSweeney’s critique adds to growing calls for Labour to address systemic inefficiencies in public services.
With the next general election likely to focus on economic performance and public service delivery, McSweeney’s warnings underscore the pressure on Starmer’s government to deliver tangible results. As one insider put it, “The party can’t afford to be caught unprepared again.”
