Sir Keir Starmer has made significant staffing changes in response to the resignation of Morgan McSweeney, who served as chief of staff. Alakeson and Cuthbertson, previously deputies under McSweeney, have stepped into the role of joint acting chiefs of staff. McSweeney's resignation followed a controversial decision he made to advise Prime Minister Starmer on appointing Peter Mandelson as the US ambassador, a move that has come under public scrutiny due to new revelations regarding Mandelson's association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.

The backdrop of this leadership change is a criminal investigation initiated by police concerning allegations that Mandelson shared sensitive information with Epstein. This investigation has reignited public interest in Mandelson's past, particularly following the release of millions of documents related to Epstein that surfaced last week. The re-emergence of these allegations, coupled with McSweeney's resignation, raises questions about the integrity of the Prime Minister's office and whether proper vetting processes are in place for key appointments.

Vidhya Alakeson, one of the newly appointed joint acting chiefs of staff, is tasked with managing policy and delivery, as well as overseeing external relations for Downing Street. Her role will be crucial as the government navigates through these partisan challenges, and as they work to restore confidence in their leadership amidst the ongoing scrutiny of external relationships involving prominent figures in government. Starmer's response to this issue will likely play a significant role in shaping the public's perception of his leadership effectiveness during a critical period for the party and its reputation.