ARE STARMER'S DAYS NUMBERED AS KEY AIDE RESIGNS?

Number 10 chief of staff Morgan McSweeney admits Mandelson mistakes

- KATIE HARRIS and AARON NEWBURY

SIR Keir Starmer's future at No10 was more uncertain than ever as his right-hand man resigned over the Lord Mandelson row.

Morgan McSweeney quit as the Prime Minister's chief of staff, taking full responsibility for his role in Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador despite the peer's continued links to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Sir Keir must also take responsibility for appointing the Labour grandee.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said the PM "won't be far behind" his departing chief of staff as Labour MPs joined calls for Sir Keir to go.

The PM is expected to face a showdown with his MPs today at a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party as support for the leader crumbles.

Tory chief Mrs Badenoch said of Mr McSweeney's departure: "It's about time.

"But once again with this PM it's somebody else's fault.

"Keir Starmer has to take responsibility for his own terrible decisions. But he never does." Brian Leishman, Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, said: "The Prime Minister must look at his own position and question whether he should follow McSweeney's lead one last time, and resign for the good of the country and the Labour Party." Kim Johnson, Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, told Sky News Sir Keir's position is "untenable".