Morgan McSweeney has become the newly appointed Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. His rise follows the departure of Sue Gray, whose resignation came after weeks of intense scrutiny regarding her salary, which was revealed to be higher than that of the Prime Minister. Citing that the “intense commentary” surrounding her position was a potential “distraction” from Labour’s mission, Gray stepped down, making way for McSweeney’s appointment. But who exactly is Morgan McSweeney, and how might his approach reshape British governance?
A New Direction for Labour’s Leadership?
Sue Gray’s exit and McSweeney’s entry have created speculation about the future direction of Labour’s governance. Though Keir Starmer has reassured that no immediate reshuffle is planned, there are rumours of insecurity amongst some cabinet members. McSweeney’s reputation as a strategic operator and his inclination towards a data-driven approach to policy have led some to anticipate a shift in the dynamics within Starmer’s team.
Comparisons have been drawn between McSweeney’s vision and the strategies once employed by Dominic Cummings under Boris Johnson’s administration, particularly in his emphasis on data-led decision-making. This potential transformation raises questions about how Labour’s operations might evolve with McSweeney heading Starmer’s team.
A Successful Campaign Strategist
Morgan McSweeney’s journey in politics began with the Labour Party under Tony Blair. He initially worked alongside Steve Reed, now the Environment Secretary, back when Reed was a councillor in Lambeth. In 2006, McSweeney played a pivotal role in helping Reed reclaim control of the council from the far left, with Reed eventually becoming the council leader. This success established McSweeney’s reputation as a master campaign strategist.
One of McSweeney’s most notable achievements came in Barking and Dagenham, where he helped the Labour Party defeat the British National Party (BNP) in the late 2000s. At that time, the far-right party held a dozen seats on the council, posing a serious challenge to Labour. McSweeney’s strategy was instrumental in turning the tide against the BNP, bolstering his reputation as a political operator who could tackle formidable opponents.
However, his career has not been without setbacks. Notably, he managed Liz Kendall’s bid for Labour leadership in 2015, which saw a disappointing outcome as she secured just 4.5% of the vote, with Jeremy Corbyn winning by a landslide. Yet, this setback did little to tarnish McSweeney’s standing within the party. His recent success as the architect behind Labour’s landslide victory in the 2024 general election has only served to reinforce his standing as one of the party’s most capable strategists.
From Opposition to Power: McSweeney’s Role in Labour’s Transformation
McSweeney’s influence became more pronounced after Keir Starmer’s rise to leader of the opposition in 2020. Tasked with overseeing Labour’s campaign operations, McSweeney was quick to initiate a transformation of the party’s internal structure. He orchestrated the removal of Corbyn loyalists from key positions, aligning the party more closely with Starmer’s centrist vision. His approach focused on winning back former “red wall” constituencies and targeting swing seats where pro-Brexit voters had shifted their support to the Conservative Party in the 2019 election.
Under McSweeney’s direction, Labour underwent a strategic rebranding, incorporating patriotic symbols like the Union Flag and introducing national anthem renditions at party events. These moves were intended to reassure traditional Labour voters who had grown disillusioned with the party’s direction under Corbyn.
A Controversial Figure with a Proven Track Record
McSweeney’s style is known to be direct and, at times, confrontational, earning him both admiration and criticism within Labour’s ranks. While some MPs view him as a divisive figure, his strategic instincts have been praised for their effectiveness. Kevan Jones, the former MP for North Durham, acknowledged McSweeney’s knack for centralising control over candidate selections, often sidelining those with ties to Corbyn’s leadership.
Final Thought
Now, as the new Chief of Staff, McSweeney’s influence is set to shape the trajectory of Keir Starmer’s government. His emphasis on a data-led approach, coupled with his history of reshaping internal party dynamics, suggests that Labour may adopt a more analytical and disciplined style of governance.
While some within the party may worry about his assertive approach, many believe that McSweeney’s strategic brilliance could be the key to maintaining Labour’s momentum in power.
For more of Chamber UK’s analysis on Labour’s first 100 days in government, please click here.
