FLASH
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Keir Starmer has lost a second key aide in less than 24 hours this morning. Tim Allan, No. 10's communications director, has resigned from his post after just five months in the role. In a brief statement, Allan said: "I have decided to step down to allow for the building of a new No. 10 team. I wish the Prime Minister and his team every success."
This means Downing Street now lacks a permanent chief of staff and is looking for its fifth communications chief in 12 months.
Allan was a Labour Party veteran, brought back to add some weight to Starmer's team. He only joined the government in September 2025, meaning he did not advise the Prime Minister in any official capacity on the appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador in 2024. But, having worked for Tony Blair from 1992 to 1998, Allan is an early friend and associate of Peter Mandelson.
The Conservatives' parliamentary maneuvers last week ensured that the messages between Mandelson and the government must be made public.
That Allan has now resigned has led some within Starmer's cabinet to conclude that he was concerned about further revelations that might emerge in the coming days about his contact with the disgraced colleague.
Two groups now hold Keir Starmer's fate in their hands. The first is his staff, many of whom were close to Morgan McSweeney, under whose leadership they gave him strength in opposition. Starmer has tried to placate them by giving a speech this morning, praising McSweeney and declaring that the team is united by a 'driving purpose' of 'public duty'.
The second group is the Labour Party (PLP) parliamentary group, which Starmer will address tonight. 'He's going to have to give the speech of his life,' said one MP who was eagerly awaiting the opportunity.
It was Boris Johnson who said, after his departure, that 'when the herd moves, it moves'.
Last week, Starmer's MPs chose not to revolt en masse in the debate over Mandelson's appointments.
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