Sir Keir Starmer's director of communications, Tim Allan, has stepped down just one day after the resignation of Morgan McSweeney, his chief of staff. Allan, who had only joined No 10 in September 2025, stated his decision was made to allow for a new team to be built. His departure marks the fourth head of communications for the Labour party since they won the election in July 2024, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining leadership stability.

Allan's resignation comes in the wake of McSweeney's exit, which was prompted by controversy surrounding the appointment of Lord Mandelson as ambassador to the US. McSweeney faced scrutiny over new revelations linking Mandelson to Jeffrey Epstein, a notorious financier with a history of criminal activity. This string of resignations from Starmer's inner circle raises alarm bells regarding the effectiveness and direction of his leadership, especially so soon after the new government formation.

The combined resignations of two key aides are likely to fuel the opposition's calls for Starmer's resignation. Such internal turmoil within the Labour party places additional pressure on Starmer to navigate these challenges successfully to maintain public confidence and solidify his position as Prime Minister. As the situation develops, it remains crucial for Starmer to swiftly address the implications of these resignations to stabilize his administration.