Yet One more Political Sacrifice!

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 In the annals of politics, scapegoats are nothing new. This weekend’s dramatic resignation of Morgan McSweeney, long-time chief of staff to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, carries all the hallmarks of a deliberate political sacrifice. McSweeney stepped down after taking responsibility for advising the Prime Minister to appoint Lord Mandelson as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to Washington — a decision that has since become politically toxic due to controversy surrounding Mandelson’s past associations. On the surface, the resignation appears to be an act of accountability. Yet to many observers, it looks more like a calculated move designed to shield the Prime Minister from mounting criticism and to draw a line under an embarrassing episode for the government.

For years, McSweeney was far more than a senior aide. He was widely regarded as one of the key strategists behind Labour’s political resurgence and a central figure in Starmer’s inner circle. His departure leaves a conspicuous gap at the heart of government, but it also raises an uncomfortable question: can an adviser truly bear sole responsibility for a decision of such magnitude? Advisers advise, but leaders decide. The final authority to appoint a senior diplomat lies with the Prime Minister, and critics have been quick to point out that the buck ultimately stops there. By allowing McSweeney to fall on his sword, Downing Street risks appearing as though it is content to let a loyal lieutenant absorb the political damage for a judgment call that was signed off at the very top.

The Mandelson appointment itself was no minor administrative decision. The post of ambassador to Washington is one of the most sensitive and strategically important diplomatic roles in British foreign policy. Any controversy attached to such an appointment was bound to draw scrutiny, and when questions resurfaced about Mandelson’s past connections, the issue quickly escalated into a full-blown political storm. What might once have been considered manageable background noise became a test of judgement, ethics, and leadership at the highest level of government.

Starmer has publicly thanked McSweeney for his service and praised his contribution to the party’s revival, but the optics of the resignation suggest a broader effort at damage control. By removing a key figure from the equation, the government may hope to reset the narrative and restore public confidence. However, this strategy carries risk. Many voters and commentators are unlikely to be satisfied with what appears to be a symbolic gesture if the deeper questions about leadership and accountability remain unanswered.

In the end, McSweeney’s resignation may buy the Prime Minister some breathing space, but it does not resolve the underlying perception that this episode reflects a lapse in judgement at the top. In politics, sacrifices are often made to protect the structure above. This time, the lamb may have been slaughtered to save the house — but the foundations are still being tested.