UK leader's chief of staff quits over appointment of Mandelson as ambassador despite Epstein ties

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff has resigned over the controversy surrounding Peter Mandelson's appointment as the U.K. ambassador to the U.S. Morgan McSweeney said he advised Starmer to appoint Mandelson, despite his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. McSweeney admitted the decision was wrong and said he took full responsibility. Starmer faces a political storm after documents suggested Mandelson sent sensitive information to Epstein during the 2008 financial crisis. Starmer’s government plans to release emails related to Mandelson’s appointment. Police searched Mandelson’s properties on Friday as part of an ongoing investigation.