Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has encountered a significant setback with the resignation of his director of communications, marking the second high-profile departure from his inner circle within a single day.
Second Senior Aide Steps Down in 24 Hours
Tim Allan, who was appointed to the role in September 2025 following James Lyons' resignation, has decided to leave his position. This makes him the fourth individual to hold the communications director role since Starmer became Prime Minister. Allan, a former advisor to Tony Blair, stated his intention to step down to facilitate the formation of a new team in Number 10, expressing his best wishes for the Prime Minister and his staff.
Chief of Staff's Earlier Departure
This resignation comes less than 24 hours after Morgan McSweeney, Starmer's chief of staff and a long-serving adviser, also stepped down. McSweeney played a pivotal role in orchestrating Starmer's journey to Downing Street within five years after Jeremy Corbyn's defeat in the 2019 general election. His position had faced increasing scrutiny following a perceived mishandling of a Number 10 strategy aimed at strengthening Starmer's leadership by preemptively briefing against potential challenges to his authority.
Starmer's Response to the Resignations
In the wake of these departures, Starmer addressed his team, expressing frustration over the undermining of political integrity. He specifically referenced his regret over appointing Peter Mandelson, whose involvement had sparked a crisis threatening the stability of his government. Starmer apologised to those affected, emphasising the importance of accountability in leadership.
Tribute to McSweeney
Paying tribute to McSweeney, Starmer highlighted their eight-year partnership, describing him as both a colleague and a friend. He credited McSweeney with being instrumental in transforming the Labour Party and securing their general election victory, praising his dedication, commitment, and loyalty as unparalleled.
The consecutive resignations underscore a period of turbulence for Starmer's administration, raising questions about internal cohesion and strategic direction within the government.
