Tim Allan Resigns as Starmer's Comms Director in Crisis
London, UK – In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through Westminster, Sir Keir Starmer's executive director of communications, Tim Allan, has resigned from his role in Downing Street. The departure, announced on Monday, 9 February 2026, marks the second high-profile exit from the Prime Minister's inner circle within 24 hours, following the resignation of chief of staff Morgan McSweeney on Sunday. This double blow comes amid escalating controversy over Starmer's decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States, a move that has ignited fury among Labour MPs and aides.
Who is Tim Allan? A Veteran of New Labour
Tim Allan is no stranger to the corridors of power. With a career spanning over three decades in political communications, Allan first rose to prominence during Tony Blair's tenure as Prime Minister. Between 1992 and 1998, he served as a key advisor in Blair's team, helping to shape the messaging that propelled New Labour to electoral victory in 1997. His expertise in crafting narratives that resonate with voters made him a sought-after figure in British politics.
Allan rejoined the fray in September 2025, stepping into the role of executive director of communications for Starmer's government. In just five months, he was tasked with navigating the complexities of a new Labour administration, from post-election honeymoon to mounting policy challenges. However, his tenure has been marred by instability in the comms team. Allan is now the fourth director of communications to resign under Starmer, following Matthew Doyle's exit in March 2025, James Lyons in September 2025, and Steph Driver later that month after Allan himself became her superior.
For context, former Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak managed with just two communications directors during his time in office, while Boris Johnson saw four – a tally that Starmer has now matched. This high turnover raises questions about the stability and culture within Number 10.
The Resignation: A Casual Exit via WhatsApp
Allan's departure was announced with characteristic flair – or perhaps irony – via WhatsApp, the go-to platform for Westminster insiders. He updated his profile picture to an image of a golf club and ball, accompanied by the slogan "Gone Golfing." This lighthearted touch belies the gravity of the situation, signaling his immediate and permanent exit from the fray.
In a brief statement, Allan said: "I have decided to stand down to allow a new Number 10 team to be built. I wish the PM and his team every success." The timing could not be more precarious for Starmer, who is already grappling with internal dissent over the Mandelson appointment. Sources close to the matter suggest that growing anger within the party, particularly around Mandelson's controversial past and perceived cronyism, played a role in the resignations.
McSweeney's Departure Sets the Stage
The domino effect began with Morgan McSweeney, Starmer's long-time chief of staff and a pivotal architect of Labour's 2024 general election win. McSweeney quit on Sunday, citing the same Mandelson furore as a breaking point. His statement highlighted the "undermining" of public trust in politics, a theme that echoed through Allan's exit.
McSweeney, who had been with Starmer for eight years, was instrumental in transforming the Labour Party from opposition struggles to government readiness. His departure has been described by political analyst Beth Rigby as placing Starmer in "survival mode," with whispers of a potential leadership challenge gaining traction among backbench MPs.
Starmer's Response: Defiance Amid Turmoil
Addressing staff in Number 10 shortly after Allan's resignation, Starmer struck a tone of gratitude and resolve. Speaking first about McSweeney, he reflected on their shared history: "I've known Morgan for eight years as a colleague and as a friend. We've been in every battle... We changed the Labour Party together. We won a general election together." He praised McSweeney's "dedication, commitment, and loyalty," underscoring the personal and professional void left behind.
Turning to the Mandelson controversy, Starmer expressed regret: "I have been absolutely clear that I regret the decision that I made to appoint Peter Mandelson. And I've apologised to the victims which is the right thing to do." The Prime Minister framed the scandal as an assault on politics' potential for good, vowing to refocus on substantive achievements.
Starmer highlighted upcoming initiatives, such as lifting half a million children out of poverty – a cornerstone of his government's social reform agenda. "Poverty holds children back like nothing else on earth," he said. "Getting rid of child poverty opens up opportunities for so many." He concluded with a rallying cry: "We must prove that politics can be a force for good. We go forward from here with confidence."
Implications for Starmer's Leadership and Labour's Future
These resignations represent more than personnel changes; they signal deep fissures within the Labour administration. Sam Coates, Sky News' deputy political editor, warned that the next 36 hours are "critical" for Starmer, as MPs debate whether to trigger a leadership election. Such a move, according to one minister, would "break" public trust in the party just months into its term.
Analysts point to a pattern of instability in Starmer's team, contrasting with the more cohesive units under previous leaders. The Mandelson appointment, intended to leverage Blair-era expertise for transatlantic relations, has instead reignited old Labour wounds, including allegations tied to historical scandals.
As Starmer fights to steady the ship, questions abound: Who will replace Allan and McSweeney? Can the PM rebuild his team amid this chaos? And will Labour's bold promises on poverty and opportunity withstand the internal storm?
For now, with Allan off to the fairways and McSweeney out of the picture, Downing Street enters uncharted waters. The coming days will test whether Starmer can turn regret into renewal, or if this marks the beginning of a deeper unraveling.
This story is developing, with Everythiiing.com monitoring updates from Westminster. Stay tuned for more analysis on the UK's political landscape.
