Labour’s new chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, has taken over from Sue Gray, who resigned due to concerns of being a distraction to the government. McSweeney, a key figure in Labour’s election campaign, has been credited with the party’s success in the recent general election. But who is Morgan McSweeney?
McSweeney, 47, hails from Macroom in County Cork, Ireland, and has been involved in the Labour Party since 1997. He started off working at the party’s attack and rebuttal unit in Millbank and later played a crucial role in organising marginal seats during the 2005 election. His career progressed as he worked with then-Lambeth council leader Steve Reed and later became the chief of staff at Lambeth Council.
In 2010, after Labour’s defeat in the general election, McSweeney took on the role of head of the Labour Group Office at the Local Government Association. Alongside Reed, he co-founded the Labour Together think tank in 2017, aiming to shift the party back to the center and move away from the hard-left policies of Jeremy Corbyn.
When Keir Starmer became the leader of the opposition in 2020, McSweeney played a crucial role in removing Corbyn supporters from positions of power within the party. This led to his appointment as Starmer’s chief of staff. He also established the Center for Countering Digital Hate to address issues like antisemitism within the party.
McSweeney’s influence within the Labour Party continued to grow, and he was appointed as the director of campaigns in September 2021. Known for his drive and ability to get the job done, McSweeney has been a key player in shaping Labour’s political strategy and campaign efforts.
Following Sue Gray’s resignation, McSweeney has now been appointed as Downing Street’s chief of staff, with Vidhya Alakeson and Jill Cuthbertson serving as his deputies. His appointment marks a new chapter in the government’s operations and signals a shift in leadership within the Labour Party.
As McSweeney takes on this new role, all eyes will be on how he navigates the challenges ahead and continues to drive Labour’s agenda forward. His track record of success and strategic acumen position him well to lead the party through the evolving political landscape. With his experience and determination, Morgan McSweeney is set to make his mark as Labour’s new chief of staff.
