Morgan McSweeney: podcast appearances and interviews

Morgan James McSweeney, born on 19 April 1977, is an Irish former political strategist known for his significant roles within the British Labour Party and the administration of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He joined the Labour Party in 1997, motivated by a commitment to the Good Friday Agreement. Early in his career, he worked at Millbank and campaigned against the British National Party alongside other notable activists. McSweeney has conducted campaign work for Labour candidates and founded the Labour Together think tank. In 2020, he led Starmer's successful Labour leadership campaign and subsequently held multiple senior roles, including Labour's director of campaigns and campaign director during the 2024 general election, which resulted in a Labour victory. McSweeney was initially appointed Head of Political Strategy at 10 Downing Street and later became Prime Minister Starmer’s Chief of Staff in October 2024. His tenure in that position ended in February 2026 amid internal controversy related to his role in recommending Peter Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to the United States, following revelations about Mandelson's ties to Jeffrey Epstein. His resignation acknowledged that the decision was wrong and had harmed the party's reputation. Throughout his work with Starmer, McSweeney was credited with helping shift Labour towards the political centre and was influential in the party’s electoral successes. Despite facing allegations of factionalism and political briefings, Starmer publicly appreciated his contributions, including his involvement in the 2024 electoral landslide.