Tim Allan has resigned as Keir Starmer's director of communications just five months into his role, coinciding with a shake-up in Downing Street following the resignation of Morgan McSweeney.
Tim Allan, who served as Keir Starmer’s director of communications, has resigned after only five months in the role, a decision that comes amid a broader restructuring within Downing Street, especially following the departure of Prime Minister's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney. In his resignation statement, Allan expressed a desire to facilitate the formation of a new team at No 10, wishing the Prime Minister and his staff all the best for future success.
This development adds to the pressure on Starmer's leadership, which is currently under scrutiny due to controversial appointments, notably that of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington. Mandelson’s close ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have sparked public outcry and debate over the appropriateness of such a nomination. Critics argue that this controversy is emblematic of deeper issues within Starmer’s leadership style and his team's decision-making processes.
Allan's departure is part of a series of changes in Starmer’s communication strategy, which initially sought to rejuvenate the Labour Party’s public image. Having previously worked under Tony Blair and founding the PR agency Portland, Allan's role was deemed crucial for revitalizing Starmer's approach in a challenging political landscape. The rapid turnover in leadership positions raises questions about the stability of Starmer's administration as it heads into critical periods ahead, particularly with upcoming elections in mind.
