The Story Is Keir Starmer’s premiership terminal?
25 snips
Feb 10, 2026 
Aubrey Allegretti, chief political correspondent at The Times, offers insider Westminster reporting and tactical analysis. He unpacks the resignations at Number 10 and the fallout from newly released Epstein-related files. He explores internal party tensions, calls for leadership change in Scotland, and who might benefit politically from the crisis.
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McSweeney's Final 48 Hours
- Sources say McSweeney grew increasingly downbeat in the 48 hours before resigning as he feared forthcoming vetting documents.
- That mood and private conversations with Starmer contributed to a mutual decision that he should go.
Close Ties Risk Revealing Informal Influence
- Close personal ties between McSweeney and Mandelson risk revealing deeper informal influence over appointments and strategy.
- Even if Number 10 denies direct involvement, private communications could show wider inner-circle influence.
McSweeney Built The Starmer Project
- McSweeney built the Starmer project by recruiting a leader to reset Labour away from Corbynism.
- He prioritised a centrist, managerial takeover that shaped policy shifts after the leadership win.