Best of the Spectator Coffee House Shots: McSweeney resigns – is Starmer next?
Feb 9, 2026
A sudden chief of staff resignation and the scramble to fill a powerful political role dominate the conversation. They explore how internal advisers shaped a major election win and sparked parliamentary anger. New joint appointments, gender optics and possible successors are debated. The political fallout, by-election risks and whether the leader can survive the crisis are teased out.
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McSweeney: Surprise Exit, Big Political Impact
- Morgan McSweeney's departure wasn't a surprise but felt like a shock inside Number 10.
- He was credited with targeting marginal voters and helping deliver Labour's large majority.
Loyalty Inside Number 10
- Inside Number 10 many staff were gutted and briefed in favour of McSweeney after his exit.
- He inspired loyalty among special advisors who credit him with planning the election win.
Why McSweeney Held Real Power
- Starmer relied on McSweeney because Starmer lacked grassroots touch and detailed seat knowledge.
- McSweeney's spreadsheets and maps gave Starmer practical electoral advantages MPs did not provide.