Summary
Overview
In this episode, the News Agents examine Morgan McSweeney's testimony before a parliamentary committee about his role in appointing Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington. The former chief of staff to Keir Starmer defended his decision-making while notably distancing himself from Mandelson, whom he blamed for not being fully transparent about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The discussion explores whether this was a political mistake that Starmer should have owned, the lack of proper vetting procedures, and the broader concerns about Starmer's leadership style. Tom Baldwin, Starmer's biographer and friend, joins to express frustration with the Prime Minister's inability to admit mistakes and his tendency to blame others, arguing that Starmer needs to be more confident in his instincts and give the party a clear agenda to unite around.
Morgan McSweeney Breaks His Silence
Morgan McSweeney, the former chief of staff who has spent years operating in the shadows of Labour politics, made his first major public appearance before the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. This is a man who chose Keir Starmer to lead Labour against Corbynism, yet has remained so elusive that journalists struggle to find footage of him. His testimony revealed the extent to which he and Starmer have become inseparable politically, and how he continues to protect the Prime Minister even after his own departure from Number 10.
- McSweeney has been central to Labour politics but has barely ever been seen on camera or given interviews until today
- He was head of Labour Together who chose Keir Starmer to defeat Corbynism within the party
- McSweeney and Starmer have been inseparable - it was McSweeney who chose Starmer, not the other way around
- His appearance shows characteristics similar to Starmer - gentle, mild-mannered, quiet, not seeking limelight
" When I saw the pictures, when I saw the Bloomberg questions in September 2025, I have to say it was like a knife through my soul. "
The Mandelson Self-Promotion Machine
McSweeney's testimony painted Peter Mandelson as a self-publicist who actively lobbied for both the ambassadorship and the Oxford University chancellorship. He distanced himself from the narrative that Mandelson was his mentor or Svengali figure, instead describing him as someone who promoted his own interests. The evidence revealed that Mandelson was even messaging McSweeney during a cabinet reshuffle, trying to influence decisions despite his ambassadorial role.
- It was Peter Mandelson's idea that he should be the next ambassador and Chancellor of Oxford University
- McSweeney spoke to multiple advisors, but Mandelson was the one who publicized himself
- Mandelson was messaging McSweeney during Angela Rayner's resignation reshuffle, trying to influence cabinet appointments
- There is mutual loathing between Starmer and Mandelson that predates the appointment
" Whose idea was it that Peter Mandelson should be the next ambassador? It was Peter Mandelson's idea that he should be the next ambassador. Whose idea was it that he should be the Chancellor of Oxford University? It was Peter Mandelson's idea. "
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