And so Morgan McSweeney falls on his sword, but whether that will be enough to 'save' Keir Starmer is debatable.... although it might stave off a leadership challenge for now?
[and here is his resignation statement - make of that what you will - courtesy of BBC News]
@ChrisMayLA6 A leadership contest before the elections - due in May - would be a logistical and procedural nightmare for #Laɓour , However an uncontested change in March is a possibility - albeit rather a remote one at present. After the second weekend in May all bets are off!
'resign from the government' ? I thought he was an advisor working for the Labour Party. I'm probably splitting hairs.
No I noticed that too & did a classic academic beard stroke before deciding not to go on about it....
@ChrisMayLA6 The problem with advisors is they don't have to be in the room, or be employed, to give advice
McSweeny will still be on Starmers speed dial
He'll still be remunerated, brown envelopes never go out of fashion
So while his impact will be diminished, I doubt it will be entirely gone
He'll just be under the radar from now on
@ChrisMayLA6 "I will continue to back that mission in any way I can"
So he'll still be instructing Starmer, just without the official Government job title. Nothing has changed.
@ChrisMayLA6 I know almost nothing about UK politics but from what I read yesterday about this situation, I'm astonished Starmer hasn't resigned. But given what he was apparently willing to do to get where he is, I suppose I shouldn't be.
resignation on principle is very much a thing of the past in the UK... resignation is now something (as in Morgan McSweeney's case) you're told by your 'Leader' to do.... only, Starmer's 'handlers' (read financial backers) will be able to get him to resign, I would think
@ChrisMayLA6 "Only a Labour government will do that."
Sure, Jan.
I'm so sorry your Labour party is as corrupted and feckless as our Democratic party.
At least, given your parliamentary system of government, there's at least a _chance_ you can raise up into power a new, truly progressive party.
Here in the U.S., we're just fucked by our rigged electoral system. *sigh*
is he off to work for Palantir ?
Well, his next move will certainly be telling....
@ChrisMayLA6 @charlesdelavalleepoussin
Big company doing gov business, or think-tank with a podcast and substack on the side.
@ChrisMayLA6
He must be referring to some other Prime Minister. I don't recognise #Starmer from that description!
![[edited for length]
"When asked, I advised the Prime Minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice. In public life responsibility must be owned when it matters most, not just when it is most convenient. In the circumstances, the only honourable course is to step aside.
"This has not been an easy decision. Much has been written and said about me over the years but my motivations have always been simple: I have worked every day to elect and support a government that puts the lives of ordinary people first and leads us to a better future for our great country. Only a Labour government will do that. I leave with pride in all we have achieved mixed with regret at the circumstances of my departure. But I have always believed there are moments when you must accept your responsibility and step aside for the bigger cause.
"As I leave I have two further reflections:
"Firstly, and most importantly, we must remember the women and girls whose lives were ruined by Jeffrey Epstein and whose voices went unheard for far too long.
"Secondly, while I did not oversee the due diligence and vetting process, I believe that process must now be fundamentally overhauled. This cannot simply be a gesture but a safeguard for the future.
"I remain fully supportive of the Prime Minister. He is working every day to rebuild trust, restore standards and serve the country. I will continue to back that mission in whatever way I can. It has been the honour of my life to serve."](https://cdn.masto.host/zirkus/media_attachments/files/116/035/509/250/056/855/original/659a6c1377a24c60.png)
