Starmer’s No. 10 crisis has just got worse
Tim Allan has resigned from his position as Director of Communications for Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
His resignation comes just five months after Allan took on the role in September 2025, and only a day after Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, also stepped down amid growing turmoil in No. 10
Who is Tim Allan? The background on Starmer’s former spin doctor
Allan, a seasoned PR expert and former deputy press secretary under Tony Blair’s New Labour government, brought decades of experience to Downing Street.
He founded Portland Communications, a prominent lobbying firm, and has long been associated with key Labour figures, including close ties to Lord Peter Mandelson.
Allan’s appointment was part of Starmer’s efforts to “reset” his administration, but his tenure has been marked by controversy, including questions over lobbying links.
In his resignation statement, Allan said, “I have decided to stand down to allow a new No10 team to be built. I wish the PM and his team every success.”
This brief announcement has fueled speculation about deeper issues within Starmer’s inner circle.
The context: Mandelson Scandal and mounting pressure on Keir Starmer
Allan’s exit follows closely on the heels of McSweeney’s resignation, which was reportedly linked to Starmer’s backing of Peter Mandelson despite his known connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
The scandal has intensified scrutiny on the Prime Minister, with Labour MPs, union leaders, and even some within his own party calling for accountability.
Sources indicate that this is the latest in a series of high-profile departures, marking Allan as the fourth individual to hold the Director of Communications role under Starmer’s leadership.
Political analysts view these resignations as signs of a “plummeting premiership,” with pressure mounting on Starmer to address the chaos in Downing Street.
Implications for Labour and UK politics
This double resignation highlights potential instability in Keir Starmer’s government, raising questions about his leadership style and ability to maintain a cohesive team.
As the Labour Party grapples with internal divisions, opponents from the Conservative side are likely to capitalise on this vulnerability ahead of future elections. For Starmer, rebuilding his communications strategy will be crucial. T
he search for a new Director of Communications is expected to begin immediately, with an emphasis on bringing in fresh talent to stabilise No. 10.
