London, United Kingdom — Former BBC journalist Andrew Marr has forecast that Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government may only endure for a few days following the resignation of a top aide amid intensifying calls for his departure. Morgan McSweeney, who served as Downing Street’s Chief of Staff, recently stepped down, a move that has raised questions regarding the stability of the Labour leadership.

Starmer recently attracted attention in the House of Commons by admitting knowledge of the controversial ties between Lord Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted financier. This admission followed criticism over Starmer’s decision to appoint Mandelson as the UK Ambassador to the United States, prompting scrutiny of Starmer’s judgment and leadership.

In the wake of the burgeoning scandal surrounding Mandelson’s connections, McSweeney accepted full responsibility for the appointment in his resignation letter. He acknowledged that the decision had adversely impacted the Labour Party’s reputation and political credibility. His letter emphasized that his counsel to Starmer had been misguided.

Credited with orchestrating the Labour Party’s 2024 electoral strategy, McSweeney’s departure has been likened to a significant loss for Starmer, who now faces increasing pressure within his party. Political insiders suggest that McSweeney’s resignation reflects deeper issues within the party, hinting at a leadership crisis.

Marr expressed skepticism about Starmer’s ability to recover from this setback during a recent radio interview. He remarked that continuing in his role could lead to a “miserable experience” for Starmer, who must navigate a labyrinth of mounting challenges. Furthermore, Marr noted the potential emergence of other leadership candidates, suggesting that the party could see a shift in direction.

As Starmer prepares to address Labour MPs, some within the party have openly referred to his leadership as a “dead man walking.” Internal critics have advocated for a realignment within the party’s leadership, citing a need for renewed direction and cohesion. Brian Leishman, a long-time critic of Starmer, noted that McSweeney’s resignation could pave the way for necessary political changes.

Following McSweeney’s exit, Vidhya Alakeson and Jill Cuthbertson have been appointed as joint acting chiefs of staff. Alakeson is tasked with overseeing policy and implementation, while Cuthbertson plays a crucial role in managing the Prime Minister’s schedule.

As the Labour Party braces for potential internal upheaval, the political landscape in the United Kingdom remains fraught with uncertainty. Starmer’s future as Prime Minister appears increasingly precarious, with party unity and public trust hanging in the balance.